Photo: Fyodor PudovikovCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Hawkweed Plant Care
Hieracium virosum Froel.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its vibrant yellow flowers that stand out against a backdrop of lance-shaped leaves. Originating from Europe and Asia, Hieracium virosum is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique appearance and ability to attract pollinators to the garden.
Every 5–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Hawkweed?
Water Hawkweed every 5–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Hawkweed Native To?
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- China
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Mongolia
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- The Netherlands
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Uzbekistan
What Is the Hawkweed?
Hawkweed (Hieracium virosum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Hieracium genus. Hawkweed is native to non-arid temperate areas of Eurasia, from southeastern and eastern Europe, Central Asia, across Siberia, Mongolia, northern China, and as far as Sakhalin island.
Hawkweed displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Hawkweed produces small yellow clustered flowers in flat-topped clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Hawkweed?
Hieracium virosum requires watering every 5–7 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 5–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Hawkweed Need?
Hawkweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Hawkweed Prefer?
Hieracium virosum grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Hawkweed prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Hawkweed?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Hawkweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Hawkweed?
Feed Hawkweed every 2 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 2 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 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 Hawkweed?
Hawkweed can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.
Is the Hawkweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list 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 Hawkweed?
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 Hawkweed Need?
Hawkweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Hawkweed is native to non-arid temperate areas of Eurasia, from southeastern and eastern Europe, Central Asia, across Siberia, Mongolia, northern China, and as far as Sakhalin island.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
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 (family Asteraceae) — search all Hieracium species in the plant lookup.
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: Hieracium virosum Froel., family Asteraceae (first published in Prodr. [A. P. de Candolle] 7(1): 226, partim. 1838 [late Apr 1838]) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list 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: Fyodor Pudovikov, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — 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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