Hawk’s Eye: A Cheerful South African Shrub for Desert Gardens
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance flowering shrub that thrives in hot, dry conditions, you might want to meet hawk’s eye (Euryops multifidus). This compact South African native has found its way into Arizona gardens, where it brings year-round color and texture to challenging desert landscapes.
What is Hawk’s Eye?
Hawk’s eye is a small perennial shrub that stays wonderfully compact, typically growing less than 1.5 feet tall and never exceeding 3 feet at maturity. Originally from South Africa’s Cape region, this plant has established itself in Arizona, where it reproduces on its own and persists without human intervention.
You might also see this plant listed under its botanical synonym, Euryops subcarnosus ssp. vulgaris, but Euryops multifidus is the accepted name.
Why Gardeners Love (or Question) This Plant
Hawk’s eye offers several appealing qualities that make it attractive to desert gardeners:
- Bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom for extended periods
- Finely divided, silvery-green foliage that adds textural interest
- Extremely drought tolerant once established
- Compact size perfect for small spaces
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
However, since hawk’s eye is not native to North America and has naturalized in Arizona, some gardeners prefer to choose native alternatives that better support local ecosystems.
Where Does Hawk’s Eye Grow?
In the United States, hawk’s eye has established populations in Arizona, where the climate closely mirrors its South African homeland.
Growing Hawk’s Eye Successfully
If you decide to grow hawk’s eye, you’ll find it refreshingly easy to care for in the right conditions.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun for best flowering
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential – this plant hates wet feet
- Water: Drought tolerant once established; water regularly until roots develop
- Climate: Best in USDA zones 9-11
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in spring after the last frost
- Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for mature spread
- Water regularly for the first few months, then reduce frequency
- Minimal pruning needed – just remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Excellent for rock gardens, dry borders, and Mediterranean-style landscapes
Garden Design Ideas
Hawk’s eye works beautifully as a ground cover in drought-tolerant gardens. Its low, spreading habit makes it perfect for rock gardens, dry slopes, or as a border plant along walkways. The silvery foliage provides nice contrast against darker-leaved plants, while the cheerful yellow flowers add pops of color throughout the growing season.
Consider Native Alternatives
While hawk’s eye can be a lovely addition to appropriate gardens, consider these native alternatives that provide similar benefits while supporting local wildlife:
- Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata) – similar yellow daisy flowers
- Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) – compact shrub with yellow blooms
- Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) – larger shrub with showy flowers
The Bottom Line
Hawk’s eye can be a successful choice for gardeners in hot, dry climates who want a low-maintenance flowering shrub. While it’s not native to North America, it’s not currently listed as invasive either. If you choose to grow it, you’ll enjoy its cheerful blooms and easy-care nature. However, if supporting native ecosystems is a priority, consider the beautiful native alternatives that can provide similar garden benefits while better serving local pollinators and wildlife.
