Mouse-Ear Hawkweed

The complex genus consists of about 250-260 species, which are distributed throughout the northern hemisphere. In many cases the species are groups of micro-species, able to produce viable seed without fertilization. They are also highly variable. Most hawkweeds are weedy, but a few species are grown as ornamentals for their downy foliage and yellow flowers. Pilosella officinarum (mouse-ear hawkweed) has been a popular herb since at least medieval times. It is recommended by Culpeper in The English Physician Enlarged (1653) as a "cooling, come what drying and binding" herb, for a wide range of ailments.

Rosette-forming, hairy perennial with long stolons and obovate-oblong, blunt leaves, about 7cm (3in) long, which have, felted undersides. Solitary, lemon-yellow flowers, 3cm (1¼in) across, appear from late spring to autumn.


Common Name:
Mouse-Ear Hawkweed
Botanical Name:
Pilosella officinarum syn. Hieracium pilosella
Genus:
Pilosella
Family:
Asteraceae
Native Location:
N Europe
Cultivation:
Well-drained to dry, poor soil in sun.
Propagation:
By seed sown in autumn or spring; by division in spring.
Harvest:
Plants are cut in summer and used fresh or dried for infusions, liquid extracts, syrups, and tinctures. Preparations are made fresh each year.
Height:
15-30cm (2-12in)
Width:
Indefinite
Hardiness:
Z4-9
Parts Used:
Whole Plant
Properties:
A bitter, antibiotic herb that is diuretic and expectorant, promotes healing, relaxes spasms, reduces inflammation, and increases salivation.
Medicinal Uses:
Internally for asthma, bronchitis, mucus, whooping cough, bronchial infections with hemorrhage, heavy menstruation, influenza, cystitis, inflammation of the kidney, kidney stones, diarrhea, and brucellosis. Externally for wounds, fractures, hernia, and nosebleed. Combined with Marrubium vulgare (See, horehound), Verbascum thapsus (See, great mullein), and Tussilago farfara (See, coltsfoot) for whooping cough; with Drosera rotundifolia (See Round-Leaved Sundew), Grindelia camporum (See, Gumweed), Euphorbia hirta (See, Asthma Weed), or Polygala senega (See, Seneca Snakeroot) for asthma.
Bibliography:
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pg 316