Mouse-ear Hawkweed

pilosella piloselloides

Also known as: ["Hieracium pilosella","Cat’s Ear"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Pilosella Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing perennial herb with rosettes of hairy leaves and bright yellow flowers, often found in lawns and open grasslands.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Pilosella
Botanical Name: Pilosella piloselloides

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or sunny borders
  • Suitable For:
    Busy People (low Maintenance) Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate partial shade but may stretch in low light.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from direct midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid sudden light changes.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-drained, sandy loam with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost occasionally.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler temperatures but avoid frost.

Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from drafts; maintain consistent room temperature.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season, none in winter

Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of root clumps.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Plant in moist medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

High humidity, indirect light, and warm temperatures (65–75°F).

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.

Hormone

Optional, but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use clean tools; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back stems or use clean shears to cut just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Remove dead or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth and prevent overcrowding.

Tools

Pruning shears, sharp scissors, or your fingers for pinching.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead or damaged growth; shape as desired; dispose of clippings.

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 necessary; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Prepare new pot; water plant a day before; handle roots carefully; use fresh soil.

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 of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
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 coarse sand for drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and increases susceptibility to disease.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide a heat source if needed; avoid drafty areas.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown edges; growth may slow.

Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, and water more frequently without overwatering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Pilosella piloselloides may indicate nutrient deficiencies, water stress, or disease, affecting overall plant health and photosynthesis.

Wilting in Pilosella piloselloides can result from water stress, root damage, or pathogen infection, impairing water transport and leading to reduced growth.

Leaf spots on Pilosella piloselloides may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, reducing photosynthetic area and potentially spreading to other parts of the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Pilosella piloselloides due to excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, leading to plant decline and death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Pilosella piloselloides is not toxic to cats. No toxic effects have been reported in felines after ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is best to prevent pets from ingesting wild plants to avoid potential gastrointestinal upset.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Pilosella piloselloides is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Although non-toxic, monitor pets if they consume unfamiliar plants to ensure no allergic reactions occur.
Humans
Non-toxic

Pilosella piloselloides, commonly known as mouse-ear hawkweed, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is advisable to avoid consuming wild plants unless properly identified and prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Mouse-ear Hawkweed invasive?

A: Yes, it can be invasive in lawns and gardens due to its spreading habit.

Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its bright yellow flowers.

Q: How do I control its spread?

A: Regular mowing or manual removal of rosettes can help control its spread.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["busy people (low maintenance)","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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