Public warned about 'false dandelion' linked to neurological condition in horses

MONTANA – The Montana Weed Control Association (MWCA) warned the public on May 14 about “false dandelions,” also known as spotted catsear, which is a plant that people often mistake for a common dandelion that can reportedly cause a neurological condition in horses.

The condition, Australian stringhalt, causes horses to excessively lift their hind legs.

According to officials, the leaves of spotted catsear sometimes have visible brown spots. Its leaves have a rough texture that “form a flat rosette, and slender, solid, branched flower stems.” Unlike dandelions, spotted catsear plants typically have multiple flowers blooming from a single stem, and are visibly hairy.

The MWCA reported that spotted catsear, or “false dandelions” are listed on the Lincoln County weed list, however they have not yet been added to Montana’s noxious weed list.