How to Grow and Care for Hawkweeds

Wall hawkweed (Hieracium murorum), native to Europe, is regarded as an invasive weed in countries to which it has been introduced. It produces a lot of seeds which are dispersed by wind and germinate easily. It also spreads across the ground and forms a dense clump that discourages other vegetation.

Narrowleaf hawkweed (*Hieracium umbellatum*) is native to the northern half of the United States. Its habitat is sandy soil in fields, open woodland, and beaches. The scientific name is from "hieracium" in Greek, meaning "hawk." This is because Roman writer Pliny the Elder claimed that hawks ate this plant to make their eyesight sharp. The cottontail rabbit and white-tailed deer eat its leaves.

Early hawkweed is an invasive perennial that is a variation of Hawkweed, distinguishable by its deep purple spots on its leaves. This plant is invasive when the flowers begin to fade, but if the heads are removed, it prevents self-seeding. It is deer and rabbit resistant, and ideal for rock gardens. Its Latin name (Hieracium glaucinum) references Hieracium from the Greek word meaning "hawk."

Smooth hawkweed is a species of dandelion in the sunflower family. It is highly adaptable and thrives in various habitats but typically grows in thin woodland, fields, and on walls. In the United States, this perennial is considered a noxious weed.

Common hawkweed (Hieracium lachenalii) is a member of the sunflower family that's related to prickly lettuce and dandelions. It's indigenous to Europe and is also known by a variety of other common names, including Greenland hawkweed, yellow hawkweed, rattlesnake weed, and golden lungwort.