White Hawkweed
Hieracium albiflorum
Care
part shade
very low
Fast; Adaptable but prefers coarse well drained soil. Prefers loamy soils.
2–3ft tall
Mar-May
Resistant
Friendly
Prized
Coniferous forests and woodlands of the Sierra Nevada, Cascades, and northern Coast Ranges from Butte County northward, extending to Oregon and Washington.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant white hawkweed in partial shade with fast-draining soil - it thrives in coarse, loamy soil but is adaptable to various conditions. Space plants to allow good air circulation, and plant in spring before the growing season kicks off. Make sure your planting spot has excellent drainage; soggy soil is this plant's enemy.
After Planting
Water sparingly during establishment; this native wildflower needs extremely low to very low water once settled in, so err on the side of underwatering rather than overwatering. By mid-summer of year one, you can cut back dramatically or stop supplemental watering entirely - it's built for dry conditions. The biggest mistake is fussing over it: resist the urge to water frequently or amend with rich soil, and let this low-maintenance native do its thing.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Critical early-season pollen resource for nest provisioning
Primary pollen source during flowering period
Adult nectar feeding during spring and early summer
Important spring pollen source in California grasslands
Summer foraging for larval provisions
Larval food provisioning during mid to late summer
Extended foraging season across multiple generations