Hawkweed Ox-tongue
Picris hieracioides
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Hawkweed Ox-tongue (Picris hieracioides) 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
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Native alternatives to Hawkweed Ox-tongue
Hawkweed Ox-tongue 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 areaHawkweed ox-tongue is a biennial wildflower that produces bright yellow dandelion-like flowers from June through August. This drought-tolerant plant grows 1-3 feet tall with a somewhat sprawling habit and hairy leaves that form a basal rosette.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hawkweed Ox-tongue 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.
- Strongly resembles dandelions which many consider weedy
- Biennial lifecycle creates inconsistent appearance
- Common name includes 'hawkweed' which has negative associations
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flowers attract bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. As a member of the sunflower family, it provides nectar for various pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hawkweed Ox-tongue need?
- Hawkweed Ox-tongue grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Hawkweed Ox-tongue bloom?
- Hawkweed Ox-tongue blooms in June, July, and August.
- What pollinators does Hawkweed Ox-tongue attract?
- Hawkweed Ox-tongue draws bees and beetles.
- Is Hawkweed Ox-tongue HOA-friendly?
- Hawkweed Ox-tongue 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 Hawkweed Ox-tongue? 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