Key Facts
- Perennial herb forming basal rosettes of hairy leaves
- Produces small yellow dandelion-like flower heads on leafless stems
- Spreads by seed and by creeping stolons or runners
- Considered invasive or a noxious weed in parts of North America
- Tolerates dry, low fertility soils and open sites
- Flowers primarily in late spring to midsummer in temperate regions
- Best grown in full sun to part shade
- Control is difficult because root fragments and stolons can resprout
Meadow Hawkweed is a low perennial with yellow dandelion like flower heads that forms basal rosettes of hairy leaves and spreads by seed and stolons. It can serve as a persistent groundcover on dry open sites but is considered invasive in parts of North America, so plan placement and control carefully.
Identification
Look for a low basal rosette of hairy leaves and leafless flowering stems topped by small yellow flower heads that resemble dandelions. Flowering stems typically reach about 4 to 12 inches tall and colonies form mats from creeping stolons and seeds. Plants are unmistakable when in bloom but rosettes can persist year round.
Best uses and where it grows
Works as a tough groundcover for dry, poor soils and open sunny slopes where low maintenance is desired. Meadow Hawkweed tolerates dry, low fertility soils and prefers full sun to part shade. It persists across temperate climates roughly USDA zones 3 to 7 and can spread more aggressively in milder conditions.
Seasonal timing and bloom
Meadow Hawkweed blooms in late spring through midsummer, commonly from May through August in the Northern Hemisphere. In cold winters plants may die back to the crown and regrow in spring. Bloom timing and vigor shift with latitude and local climate, so expect earlier flowers in warmer sites.
Watering and soil
Prefers well drained soils with dry to medium moisture and tolerates poor rocky or sandy sites. Waterlogged or poorly drained soils reduce vigor and may limit persistence. Plants perform best in open, drained locations where competition is limited and occasional summer drought does not harm established rosettes.
After flowering care
Remove spent flower heads to reduce seed spread and pull or dig stolons and their rooting nodes where practical. Because fragments can resprout, mechanical control often requires repeated removal of roots and runners. Dispose of pulled material carefully and avoid spreading fragments into compost or new planting areas.
Controlling spread
Meadow Hawkweed spreads by both seed and vegetative stolons, and it is listed as invasive or a noxious weed in parts of North America. Control is difficult because root fragments and stolons can resprout. Manage colonies with repeated removal, targeted removal of entire stolons and roots, and follow local extension guidance for approved control methods.
Frequently asked questions
- How fast does Meadow Hawkweed grow?
- It spreads clonally by stolons and by seed and can form mats commonly 6 to 24 inches across. Expansion rate varies with site conditions and is faster in open sunny dry locations.
- Is Meadow Hawkweed invasive?
- Yes, it is considered invasive or a noxious weed in parts of North America and can outcompete low growing plants in open habitats, so monitor and control spread.
- Can I grow Meadow Hawkweed in a garden bed?
- It can occupy dry, low fertility beds as a groundcover but only where its tendency to spread is acceptable. In mixed perennial beds it can become a persistent weed.
- How do I reduce seed and stolon spread?
- Deadhead flowers to limit seed and remove stolons with their root nodes. Repeated removal and careful disposal of fragments are needed to reduce reinfestation.
- When does Meadow Hawkweed flower?
- Flowering is primarily late spring to midsummer, commonly May through August in temperate northern regions.
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