Mouse-ear Hawkweed
hieracium pilosella
Also known as: ["Hawkweed","Mouse-ear","Pilosella officinarum"]
Overview
A low-growing perennial herb with dandelion-like leaves and bright yellow flowers, often found in grasslands and open woodlands.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","disease resistant","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Hieracium |
| Botanical Name: | Hieracium pilosella |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, meadows, or open ground
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–9"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 months to remove dead or leggy growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning to tidy up and promote bushiness.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or partial shade; 4–6 hours of sunlight per day. Adjust for intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct midday sun; place in dappled shade outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even light; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently; avoid waterlogged soil; prioritize drought tolerance.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; amend with sand if too heavy; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, 50–70°F (10–21°C). Tolerates cooler conditions but avoids extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; maintain consistent cool temperatures.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during growing season only; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of runners (stolons).
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings or separate runners.
- Apply rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix or perlite and peat moss.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new plants establish in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy runners; maintain consistent moisture; provide gentle warmth.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off faded flowers and trim back straggly stems.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming and maintain compact growth.
Tools
Sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; trim leggy stems; sanitize tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Use fresh well-draining soil; gently tease out roots; ensure proper drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
Checklist
Check root health; use fresh soil; ensure proper drainage; water lightly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base, ensuring even moisture without saturating. Allow excess to drain freely. Water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to root rot.
Solution: Provide insulation, avoid drafty areas, and reduce watering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may cease in excessive heat.
Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, and water early in the day to mitigate heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize in spring/summer; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHieracium pilosella is not considered toxic to cats. The plant lacks compounds that are known to be harmful to felines, and ingestion is unlikely to cause significant health issues.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Non-toxicHieracium pilosella is not considered toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain known compounds that are harmful to canines, and ingestion typically does not result in adverse effects.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Non-toxicHieracium pilosella, commonly known as mouse-ear hawkweed, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to its slightly bitter and astringent properties.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Mouse-ear Hawkweed invasive?
A: Yes, it can be invasive in some regions due to its ability to spread via stolons and seeds.
Q: Can Hieracium pilosella be used medicinally?
A: Historically, it has been used in folk medicine for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, though modern use is limited.
Q: How does Mouse-ear Hawkweed reproduce?
A: It reproduces both vegetatively through stolons and sexually via seeds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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