Pilosella officinarum aka Mouse Ear Hawkweed
Taxonomy
Pilosella officinarum, also known as mouse-ear hawkweed or Hieracium pilosella, is a yellow-flowered species of flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and northern Asia and is characterized by its single, lemon-colored inflorescences. This perennial plant forms mats with creeping stolons and has a basal rosette of leaves that are hairy above and have downy, whiter undersides. The plant produces solitary yellow flowerheads on leafless stems, measuring about 2-3cm across, with ray florets marked by a red stripe on the underside. Pilosella officinarum is highly variable, belonging to a species complex with numerous subspecies, varieties, and forms. It is an allelopathic plant and is covered in glandular hairs, usually whitish but sometimes reddish on the stem, except for the flower parts. It is important to note that this plant may be poisonous. To control its spread, manual weeding and hand removal are recommended methods.
Common names
Mouse Ear Hawkweed, Mouseear HawkweedHow to care for Mouse Ear Hawkweed
Difficulty
With its straightforward care requirements, Mouse Ear Hawkweed is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
Water
Mouse Ear Hawkweed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Mouse Ear Hawkweed loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Mouse Ear Hawkweed prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Fertilizer
The Mouse Ear Hawkweed is known for its slow growth and doesn't require fertilizing beyond its potting soil. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should offer it sufficient nutrition. It's essential to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not from fertilizers.
Growth-pattern
The Mouse Ear Hawkweed displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.
More info:
Wikipedia
