Fox-and-cubs
Hieracium aurantiacum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Fox-and-cubs (Hieracium aurantiacum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–18" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Native alternatives to Fox-and-cubs
Fox-and-cubs is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaFox-and-cubs produces bright orange dandelion-like flowers on short stems from June through August. This low-growing perennial spreads by runners to form dense patches in sunny, dry areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Fox-and-cubs takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Non-native invasive species
- Can spread aggressively
- May be considered weedy by neighbors
Wildlife value
The bright orange flowers attract bees and butterflies during the summer blooming period. The dense growth habit can provide ground-level shelter for small wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Fox-and-cubs need?
- Fox-and-cubs grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Fox-and-cubs bloom?
- Fox-and-cubs blooms in June, July, and August.
- What pollinators does Fox-and-cubs attract?
- Fox-and-cubs draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Fox-and-cubs HOA-friendly?
- Fox-and-cubs takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Fox-and-cubs? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz