Skip to main content

Hieracium Pilosella (Pilosella officinarum)

Pilosella officinarum is a low-growing perennial herb with yellow, dandelion-like flower heads and hairy leaves, often called mouse-ear hawkweed.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth.

Watering

Water moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Drought tolerant once established.

Soil

Well-drained soil. Tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils.

Temperature

Thrives in moderate temperatures between 15-25°C. Can tolerate cooler conditions.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth.

Water

Water moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Drought tolerant once established.

Soil

Well-drained soil. Tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils.

Temperature

Thrives in moderate temperatures between 15-25°C. Can tolerate cooler conditions.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilization.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Flowering, Medicinal

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden, Groundcover

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

0.1-0.4 m

Spread

0.2-0.5 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Semi-evergreen to deciduous

Leaf Color

Green, Gray-green

Leaf Type

Simple, basal rosette, hairy

Flower Size

2-3 cm

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths65
Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
02468JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecActivity intensityMonths65
Synonyms
Hieracium pilosella L.
Taxonomy
  • kingdomPlantae
  • divisionTracheophyta
  • classMagnoliopsida
  • orderAsterales
  • familyAsteraceae
  • genusPilosella
  • speciesPilosella officinarum
Toxicity

Toxic for humans

No

Rating: 0/5

Toxic for pets

No

Rating: 0/5

Edible

No

Additional Care Tips

Water moderately during the growing season, reducing frequency in cooler months. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming and maintain a tidy appearance. Trim back any dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring.

Easily propagated by division of clumps in spring or autumn. Seed propagation is also possible but may result in variable offspring.

Not typically grown in pots. If container-grown, repot every 2-3 years in spring to refresh soil and prevent root-bound conditions.

FAQs

What is the best soil for mouse-ear hawkweed?

Mouse-ear hawkweed thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate poor, sandy, or rocky conditions. Good drainage is key to prevent root rot.

How often should I water mouse-ear hawkweed?

Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. It is drought tolerant once established.

Is mouse-ear hawkweed poisonous to pets?

No, Pilosella officinarum is not considered poisonous to pets.

When does mouse-ear hawkweed bloom?

Mouse-ear hawkweed typically blooms from May through August, producing bright yellow, dandelion-like flower heads.

Can mouse-ear hawkweed be used as a groundcover?

Yes, its low-growing habit and spreading nature make it suitable for use as a groundcover in suitable garden conditions.