Photo: Lynn HarperCC0via Wikimedia Commons
Rough Hawkweed Plant Care
Hieracium scabrum Michx.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is easily recognized by its deeply lobed leaves that are covered in small hairs, giving it a rough texture. Originating from Europe and Asia, Hieracium scabrum is sought after by plant collectors due to its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions and its striking yellow flowers that add a pop of color to any garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Rough Hawkweed?
Water Rough Hawkweed every 7–14 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 month during the growing season.
Where Is the Rough Hawkweed Native To?
What Is the Rough Hawkweed?
Rough Hawkweed (Hieracium scabrum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Hieracium genus. Rough Hawkweed is native to the eastern and central United States and Canada. Rough Hawkweed is also known as Hieracium scabrum var. intonsum, Hieracium scabrum var. leucocaule, Hieracium scabrum var. tonsum.
Rough Hawkweed displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Rough Hawkweed produces small yellow clustered flowers in flat-topped clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Rough Hawkweed?
Hieracium scabrum requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Rough Hawkweed Need?
Rough Hawkweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Rough Hawkweed Prefer?
Hieracium scabrum grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Rough Hawkweed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Rough Hawkweed?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Rough Hawkweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Rough Hawkweed?
Feed Rough Hawkweed every month 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 month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Rough Hawkweed?
Repot every 1-2 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 Rough Hawkweed?
Rough Hawkweed can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white-flowered hawkweed plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Rough Hawkweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Rough 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 Rough Hawkweed?
Rough Hawkweed is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. 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 Rough Hawkweed Need?
Rough Hawkweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Rough Hawkweed is native to the eastern and central United States and Canada.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Rough 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 Hieracium genus — compare its care with other Hieracium species on PlantoScan.
Hieracium is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Rough Hawkweed thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Hieracium Species
Other Hieracium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hieracium scabrum Michx., family Asteraceae (first published in Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 86 (1803)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Rough 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: Lynn Harper, CC0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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