Pilosella officinarum aka Mouse Ear Hawkweed
Taxonomy ID: 11357
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 HawkweedMore information about Mouse Ear Hawkweed
How difficult is it to take care of Mouse Ear Hawkweed
With its straightforward care requirements, Mouse Ear Hawkweed is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
What is the growth pattern and size of Mouse Ear Hawkweed?
The Mouse Ear Hawkweed displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.
What are the water needs for Mouse Ear Hawkweed
Mouse Ear Hawkweed should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Mouse Ear Hawkweed
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.
What is the sunlight requirement for Mouse Ear Hawkweed
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.
How to fertilize Mouse Ear Hawkweed
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.
Is Mouse Ear Hawkweed toxic to humans/pets?
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.
More info:
Wikipedia
