Hieracium oleraceum Plant Care

Hieracium oleraceum (Sonchus macrotus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Sonchus genus. Hieracium oleraceum is native to Europe and Western Asia. Hieracium oleraceum is also known as Hieracium spinulosum, Lepicaune spinulosa, Sonchus asper.

Hieracium oleraceum displays an upright, branching herbaceous plant growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Hieracium oleraceum produces small yellow daisy-like flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Sonchus macrotus requires watering every 4–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Hieracium oleraceum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sonchus macrotus grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Hieracium oleraceum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost or organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Hieracium oleraceum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hieracium oleraceum 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.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

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.

Hieracium oleraceum can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to species plantarum plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Hieracium oleraceum is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, slugs. 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.

Hieracium oleraceum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Hieracium oleraceum is native to Europe and Western Asia. In cooler regions, grow Hieracium oleraceum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.