How much sun does Woolly Hawkweed need?

Woolly Hawkweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Woolly Hawkweed bloom?

Woolly Hawkweed blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Woolly Hawkweed native?

Woolly Hawkweed (Hieracium triste) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Woolly Hawkweed attract?

Woolly Hawkweed draws bees and beetles.

Is Woolly Hawkweed HOA-friendly?

Woolly Hawkweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Woolly Hawkweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hieracium triste

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Woolly Hawkweed (Hieracium triste) 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"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern Rockies

King devil hawkweed is a low-growing perennial wildflower with bright yellow daisy-like blooms that appear throughout summer. This drought-tolerant native forms compact clumps and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal care.

In an HOA neighborhood

Woolly 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.

Often viewed as a weed by conventional gardeners
Can spread aggressively and may be considered invasive
Dandelion-like appearance may trigger weed complaints

Wildlife value

The cheerful yellow flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles during the long summer blooming period. Seeds also provide food for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Woolly Hawkweed need?: Woolly Hawkweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Woolly Hawkweed bloom?: Woolly Hawkweed blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Woolly Hawkweed native?: Woolly Hawkweed (Hieracium triste) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Woolly Hawkweed attract?: Woolly Hawkweed draws bees and beetles.
Is Woolly Hawkweed HOA-friendly?: Woolly 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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