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Rough Hawkweed

Hieracium scabrum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Rough Hawkweed (Hieracium scabrum)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Rough Hawkweed (Hieracium scabrum) 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

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AR, CT, DE, GA and 24 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark HighlandsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Rough hawkweed is a native perennial wildflower that produces bright yellow dandelion-like blooms on sturdy stems throughout summer. This drought-tolerant plant forms low rosettes of hairy leaves and spreads slowly to create natural colonies in sunny locations.

In an HOA neighborhood

Rough Hawkweed 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.

  • Name includes 'weed' which raises HOA concerns
  • Can appear scraggly and informal
  • May spread beyond intended boundaries

Wildlife value

The cheerful yellow flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects during the long summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for goldfinches and other small birds in fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Rough Hawkweed need?
Rough Hawkweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Rough Hawkweed bloom?
Rough Hawkweed blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Rough Hawkweed native?
Rough Hawkweed (Hieracium scabrum) is native to AR, CT, DE, GA and 24 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Rough Hawkweed attract?
Rough Hawkweed draws bees and butterflies.
Is Rough Hawkweed HOA-friendly?
Rough 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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.

See all plant problem guides

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