Mouse-ear Hawkweed (also known as King Devil)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Pilosella, Species: Pilosella officinarum · Asteraceae (Daisy, Aster, or Sunflower family) · Simple, persistent as a basal rosette, perennial herbaceous plant
Species
Pilosella officinarum
Leaf Type
Simple, persistent as a basal rosette, perennial herbaceous plant
Family
Asteraceae (Daisy, Aster, or Sunflower family)
Shape
Oblanceolate to spatulate (spoon-shaped) with an obtuse tip
Size
Approximately 1 to 2 inches long and 0.5 inches wide, typical for a mature basal rosette leaf of this species
Margin
Entire (smooth) and slightly revolute (rolled under at the edges)
Arrangement
Basal rosette, forming a dense cluster of leaves flat against or close to the ground
Rarity
Very Common in its native European range and typical habitats
Color & Pattern
Muted grey-green to blue-green upper surface densely covered with long white or silvery hairs; lower surface is even more densely white-tomentose (woolly), typical healthy coloration for this species
Venation Pattern
Pinnate, with a prominent central midrib on the lower surface and obscure lateral veins hidden by the dense hairs
Texture & Surface
Extremely hairy, felted, and softly woolly (tomentose) on both surfaces, giving it a distinctive fuzzy texture
Description
Pilosella officinarum is a low-growing perennial herb that spreads aggressively via above-ground stolons (runners) and underground rootstocks. It features a basal rosette of oblong-spatulate leaves densely clothed in long, whitish, star-shaped hairs. In summer, it produces bright lemon-yellow, dandelion-like flower heads on slender, hairy scapes. The plant forms dense mats, outcompeting other vegetation in poor soils.
Key Features
Dense, long silvery-white hairs on spatulate leaves arranged in a basal rosette, coupled with the presence of stolons and bright yellow solitary flower heads
Habitat
Dry, nutrient-poor grasslands, sandy soils, dunes, rocky outcrops, heathlands, and sometimes garden lawns in full sun to partial shade
Geographic Range
Native to Europe and western Asia, widely naturalized in North America, New Zealand, and other temperate regions
Condition Notes
The specimen shows pressed basal leaves and root fragments in good condition with minor tearing, representing a typical wild-collected or garden-weed herbarium specimen in a healthy state
Interesting Facts
The genus name Pilosella comes from the Latin 'pilosus', meaning hairy, referring to the dense hairiness of the leaves. Historically, it was used in traditional European herbal medicine and was once believed to be grazed upon by hawks to sharpen their eyesight
Medicinal & Uses
Traditionally used in herbal medicine for its astringent and expectorant properties, particularly in treating coughs, bronchitis, and minor wounds. In modern contexts, it is primarily viewed as a garden weed or an ecological indicator of acidic, poor soils
Ecological Role
Acts as an early colonist of disturbed, poor, and dry soils, helping to stabilize sandy or eroded ground. It provides nectar for various specialist and generalist pollinators, though it can become invasive in fragile ecosystems outside its native range
Similar Species
Other hawkweed species (Hieracium and Pilosella genera), which can be distinguished by differences in hair density, flower color, leaf shape, and the presence or absence of stolons
Foraging Tips
Look for low-growing mats of fuzzy, grey-green spoon-shaped leaves in dry, sunny, acidic lawns, pastures, or sandy paths during spring and summer. The presence of stolons helps confirm identification
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. There are no known toxicity issues associated with this plant for humans or domestic pets
Notes
It was hairy and in my garden in Bad hersfeld Germany in july