Should I cut off the yellow leaves?

Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps you monitor if the yellowing is continuing to spread.

Can too much sun cause yellowing?

Usually, too much sun causes scorching or browning rather than yellowing. Mouse-ear hawkweed loves full sun, so it is rarely the cause of yellow leaves.

Mouse-ear hawkweed: yellow leaves, causes and fixes

Check these first

Feel the soil moisture with your finger.
Check the pot for standing water.
Inspect the base of the stem for mushiness.

Likely causes

Overwatering
Most likely
How to tell: The soil feels constantly damp or muddy to the touch. You might notice the lower leaves turning yellow first.
What to do: Hold off on watering until the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are completely dry. Ensure your pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape freely.
Nutrient deficiency
Possible
How to tell: The leaves look pale or yellow despite the soil being dry. This happens if the plant has been in the same soil for a long time.
What to do: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once during the spring. Do not overfeed as this plant prefers lean soil conditions.

Yellow leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mouse-ear hawkweed

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for the oldest, lowest leaves to yellow and die back as the plant grows. Worry if the yellowing spreads rapidly to the newer growth.

Stopping it coming back

Water only when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil are dry instead of following a fixed schedule, and always let the soil dry out significantly between sessions.

Mouse-ear hawkweed: yellow leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mouse-ear hawkweed and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I cut off the yellow leaves?: Yes, you can snip them off with clean scissors to keep the plant looking tidy. This also helps you monitor if the yellowing is continuing to spread.
Can too much sun cause yellowing?: Usually, too much sun causes scorching or browning rather than yellowing. Mouse-ear hawkweed loves full sun, so it is rarely the cause of yellow leaves.

Why are my Mouse-ear hawkweed leaves turning yellow?