Contents
Description
Hieracium, also known as hawkweed, is a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family. This genus includes over 1000 species of herbaceous plants that are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The plants have a basal rosette of leaves and flowers that grow on leafless stems. The flowers are yellow, orange, or red and resemble those of dandelions.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Anthophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Asterales || Family| Asteraceae || Genus| Hieracium |
Appearance
Hieracium plants have a basal rosette of leaves that are hairy and have a toothed margin. The leaves are usually lance-shaped and can be up to 15 cm in length. The flowers grow on leafless stems and are usually yellow, orange, or red. The flowers are arranged in a flat-topped cluster and resemble those of dandelions. The plants can grow up to 1 meter in height.
Care Guide
Hieracium plants prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They require moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not overly wet. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth begins. The plants can tolerate a range of soil types but prefer slightly acidic soil. Hieracium plants are hardy to USDA zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The most common pest that affects Hieracium plants is the aphid. These pests can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant is also susceptible to rust and powdery mildew. These fungal diseases can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.
Habitat
Hieracium plants are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They can be found growing in meadows, pastures, and woodland areas. The plants prefer cool temperate climates and can grow at elevations up to 3000 meters.
Questions and Answers
Q: Can Hieracium plants grow in acidic soil?
A: Yes, Hieracium plants can grow in slightly acidic soil.
Q: What is the most common pest that affects Hieracium plants?
A: The most common pest that affects Hieracium plants is the aphid.
Q: What is the preferred climate for Hieracium plants?
A: Hieracium plants prefer cool temperate climates.
Q: How often should Hieracium plants be watered?
A: Hieracium plants require moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not overly wet.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Hieracium:- Taraxacum officinale (dandelion)- Asteraceae (aster family)- Rudbeckia hirta (black-eyed Susan)- Solidago canadensis (goldenrod)
References
– “Hieracium.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=l560.- “Hieracium.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 24 May 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hieracium.
