Meadow Hawkweed
hieracium intybaceum
Also known as: ["Meadow Hawkweed","Hieracium intybaceum"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant in the daisy family, known for its bright yellow flowers and rosette of basal leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Hieracium |
| Botanical Name: | Hieracium intybaceum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: border plantings or rock gardens in temperate climates
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"6–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, focusing on selective removal.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light, protect from direct midday sun to prevent scorching, adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for stronger light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and sand; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates mild fluctuations but avoid extremes.
Avoid placing near drafty windows; maintain stable temperatures; use a thermometer to monitor.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter
Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; adjust based on plant response.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of basal rosettes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy cutting, let it callus, apply hormone (optional), plant in medium, keep moist and humid.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
High humidity, indirect light, and warm temperatures (65–75°F).
Medium
Well-draining mix like cactus soil with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back stems or cut just above a leaf node to promote bushiness.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged foliage to encourage new growth and maintain shape.
Tools
Clean pruners or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune dead/damaged parts, shape as desired, clean up debris, monitor for regrowth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Select new pot, prepare soil mix, inspect roots, position plant, water lightly, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure water penetrates deeply, allow excess to drain, water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, ensure aeration with coarse materials.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration or dieback in prolonged cold.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid cold drafts, reduce watering.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, reduced flowering, or leaf drop in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, water before feeding, avoid contact with roots, stop in dormant period.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHieracium intybaceum is not considered toxic to cats. The plant does not contain known toxic substances that would harm feline health.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicHieracium intybaceum is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no known toxic compounds in this plant that would pose a risk to canine health.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicHieracium intybaceum is not considered toxic to humans under normal circumstances. It lacks significant toxic compounds that would cause adverse physiological effects.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hieracium intybaceum toxic to pets?
A: There is insufficient data on its toxicity to pets.
Q: How do I control the spread of Hieracium intybaceum?
A: It can be controlled by manual removal or herbicides, as it spreads aggressively via rhizomes.
Q: Does Hieracium intybaceum attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds due to its nectar-rich flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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