Kingdevil: A European Wildflower That’s Made Itself at Home
If you’ve ever spotted tall stems topped with bright yellow, dandelion-like flowers swaying in a field or roadside, you might have encountered kingdevil (Hieracium praealtum). This European native has quite the travel story – it’s journeyed across the Atlantic and established itself throughout much of northeastern North America and beyond.
What Exactly Is Kingdevil?
Kingdevil is a perennial forb, which is just a fancy way of saying it’s an herbaceous plant that comes back year after year without any woody stems. Think of it as a cousin to the common dandelion, but with a taller, more elegant stance. This non-native species has proven quite adaptable to North American conditions, reproducing and persisting in the wild without any human assistance.
Where You’ll Find It Growing
Kingdevil has spread its roots across a impressive range of locations. In Canada, you can find it in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. South of the border, it’s established itself in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont, and even made it as far west as Wyoming.
Garden Appeal and Characteristics
Standing 2-4 feet tall, kingdevil produces cheerful yellow flowers that resemble small sunflowers or large dandelions. The blooms appear on sturdy stems above a rosette of leaves, creating a naturalized wildflower look that many gardeners find appealing. As a perennial, it provides consistent seasonal interest once established.
Should You Plant Kingdevil in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get interesting. While kingdevil isn’t officially listed as invasive, its ability to self-seed and spread means it requires thoughtful consideration. It can work well in:
- Wildflower meadows where a naturalized look is desired
- Low-maintenance areas that need hardy, drought-tolerant plants
- Pollinator gardens (the flowers do attract bees and butterflies)
However, if you’re looking to support native ecosystems, consider these beautiful native alternatives instead:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for similar height and pollinator appeal
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia species) for yellow flowers and easy care
- Native asters for late-season blooms
Growing Conditions and Care
If you do decide to grow kingdevil, you’ll find it refreshingly low-maintenance. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-8 and adapts to various conditions:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Tolerates poor soils and various soil types
- Water: Drought tolerant once established
- Maintenance: Minimal care required
Planting and Management Tips
Kingdevil is quite easy to establish, sometimes almost too easy! Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- It readily self-seeds, so be prepared to manage its spread
- Deadheading spent flowers can help control unwanted spreading
- Plant in areas where its naturalized growth habit is welcome
- Consider barriers or contained areas if you want to limit its range
The Bottom Line
Kingdevil is a hardy, attractive wildflower that can add yellow blooms and pollinator appeal to naturalized areas. While it’s not native to North America, it’s not currently classified as invasive either. If you choose to grow it, do so thoughtfully and be prepared to manage its enthusiastic self-seeding nature. For those prioritizing native plant gardening, there are many beautiful native alternatives that can provide similar benefits while supporting local ecosystems.
Whether you choose kingdevil or a native alternative, the most important thing is creating a garden that brings you joy while being mindful of the broader ecological picture.
