Mouse-ear Hawkweed
Hieracium pilosella
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
MA
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Mouse-ear hawkweed is a low-growing perennial that forms dense mats with fuzzy, silvery-green leaves and bright yellow dandelion-like flowers. This European native spreads aggressively by runners and can quickly colonize large areas. It blooms from late spring through summer and tolerates poor, dry soils.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mouse-ear Hawkweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Aggressive spreader that can overtake lawns
- Considered invasive in many areas
- Creates irregular patchy appearance
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flowers attract bees and beetles during the long blooming season from May through August.
Common questions
- How much sun does Mouse-ear Hawkweed need?
- Mouse-ear Hawkweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Mouse-ear Hawkweed bloom?
- Mouse-ear Hawkweed blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Mouse-ear Hawkweed native?
- Mouse-ear Hawkweed (Hieracium pilosella) is native to MA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Mouse-ear Hawkweed attract?
- Mouse-ear Hawkweed draws bees and beetles.
- Is Mouse-ear Hawkweed HOA-friendly?
- Mouse-ear Hawkweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Mouse-ear Hawkweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz