Photo: AlogirafCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Hoary Hawkweed Plant Care
Barkhausia canescens Spreng.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Crepis bursifolia, commonly known as Italian hawksbeard, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to southern Europe (Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Greece), as well as being sparingly naturalized in California (primarily in the hills east of San Francisco Bay, but with a few collections from open spots in urban areas inside the Cities of Oakland and San Francisco).
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Hoary Hawkweed?
Water Hoary Hawkweed every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Hoary Hawkweed Native To?
What Is the Hoary Hawkweed?
Hoary Hawkweed (Barkhausia canescens) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Barkhausia genus. Hoary Hawkweed is native to southern Europe, as well as being sparingly naturalized in California. Hoary Hawkweed is also known as Barkhausia bursifolia, Hieracioides bursifolium, Lagoseris bursifolia.
Hoary Hawkweed displays a clumping herbaceous perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Hoary Hawkweed produces daisy-like flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hoary Hawkweed?
Barkhausia canescens requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hoary Hawkweed Need?
Hoary Hawkweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hoary Hawkweed Prefer?
Barkhausia canescens grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Hoary Hawkweed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hoary Hawkweed?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Hoary Hawkweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hoary Hawkweed?
Feed Hoary Hawkweed every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Hoary Hawkweed?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Hoary Hawkweed?
Hoary Hawkweed can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.
Is the Hoary Hawkweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Hoary Hawkweed, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Hoary Hawkweed?
Hoary Hawkweed is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Hoary Hawkweed Need?
Hoary Hawkweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Hoary Hawkweed is native to southern Europe, as well as being sparingly naturalized in California. In cooler regions, grow Hoary Hawkweed as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Hoary Hawkweed is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Barkhausia genus (family Asteraceae) — search all Barkhausia species in the plant lookup.
Hoary Hawkweed thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Barkhausia canescens Spreng., family Asteraceae (first published in Syst. Veg. 3: 653, sub n. 16 (1826)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Hoary Hawkweed, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Alogiraf, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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