Hawkweed Oxtongue
Picris hieracioides
Also known as Hawkweed, Ox-tongue
Climate Match for your location
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A tall, branching perennial with yellow daisy-like flowers and hairy, lancet-shaped leaves resembling an ox's tongue. It thrives in dry, sunny locations and is often considered a weedy species in disturbed areas.
Why grow it
Hawkweed oxtongue tolerates poor, compacted soils and drought conditions better than many ornamental alternatives, making it useful for stabilizing disturbed sites or filling gaps in xeric gardens. Its long flowering period and abundant nectar attract pollinators, particularly beneficial insects. Where managed deliberately rather than eradicated, it can function as a supporting species in low-input landscape designs alongside other drought-adapted perennials.
Watch out for
Hawkweed Oxtongue self-seeds readily and may spread beyond intended planting areas in suitable conditions. The plant's deep taproot makes it challenging to remove once established, so consider containment strategies if you want to limit its spread. Regular deadheading before seed set will help manage volunteer seedlings in nearby garden beds.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and Central Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A tall, branching perennial with yellow daisy-like flowers and hairy, lancet-shaped leaves resembling an ox's tongue. It thrives in dry, sunny locations and is often considered a weedy species in disturbed areas.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Hawkweed Oxtongue grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Hawkweed oxtongue tolerates poor, compacted soils and drought conditions better than many ornamental alternatives, making it useful for stabilizing disturbed sites or filling gaps in xeric gardens. Its long flowering period and abundant nectar attract pollinators, particularly beneficial insects. Where managed deliberately rather than eradicated, it can function as a supporting species in low-input landscape designs alongside other drought-adapted perennials.
Watch out for
Hawkweed Oxtongue self-seeds readily and may spread beyond intended planting areas in suitable conditions. The plant's deep taproot makes it challenging to remove once established, so consider containment strategies if you want to limit its spread. Regular deadheading before seed set will help manage volunteer seedlings in nearby garden beds.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native Range
Mediterranean and Central Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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