HIERACIUM (Hiera'cium)

DESCRIPTION: Hieracium (Hawkweed) is a large group of perennials that are mostly weeds, though a few are worth growing in the garden. Hawkweeds are mostly native to Europe and northern Africa; however, some are found wild in America. H. lanatum grows from 12 to 18 inches high and is mainly grown for its attractive foliage. Its gray leaves are broadly lance-shaped and produced in basal rosettes; they are clothed thickly with white felt. The small, brilliant yellow flowers somewhat resemble Dandelions. They grow atop wiry, branching, gray-hairy stems in the summer. H. villosum has silvery leaves and golden yellow flowers in the summer.

POTTING: Grow Hawkweed in sharply drained, preferably alkaline soil that isn't too fertile, in full sun.

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be sown in the spring or fall, or they may be lifted and divided at those same times.

VARIETIES: H. lanatum; H. villosum; H. bombycinum.

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