Kingdevil: A Non-Native Wildflower to Know (But Maybe Not Grow)
If you’ve ever spotted bright yellow, dandelion-like flowers blooming on tall, slender stems in fields or along roadsides, you might have encountered kingdevil (Hieracium praealtum var. decipiens). This perennial wildflower has made itself quite at home across parts of North America, though it’s actually a European transplant with some quirky habits worth understanding.
What Is Kingdevil?
Kingdevil is a non-native perennial forb that belongs to the sunflower family. As a forb, it’s essentially an herbaceous flowering plant without significant woody growth – think of it as the botanical equivalent of a perpetual teenager, staying soft and green rather than developing tough, woody stems like shrubs or trees.
This plant has established itself as a naturalized resident across several regions, reproducing on its own and persisting without human intervention. While it’s not technically native, it has become part of the landscape in many areas.
Where Does Kingdevil Grow?
You’ll find kingdevil scattered across a surprisingly wide range of locations in North America. It has established populations in several Canadian provinces including British Columbia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. In the United States, it grows in northeastern states like Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont, with an interesting outlier population in Wyoming.
What Does It Look Like?
Kingdevil produces cheerful yellow flowers that might remind you of dandelions, but they’re carried on much taller, more delicate stems. The plant forms colonies over time, creating patches of golden blooms that can be quite eye-catching during its flowering season.
Should You Plant Kingdevil in Your Garden?
Here’s where things get a bit complicated. While kingdevil isn’t officially listed as invasive or noxious, its non-native status and tendency to spread and establish colonies means it’s not typically recommended for intentional garden cultivation. It can be somewhat aggressive in spreading, potentially crowding out native plants that local wildlife depends on.
Growing Conditions
If kingdevil does appear in your landscape (often arriving on its own), it’s quite adaptable. The plant typically thrives in:
- Full sun to partial shade conditions
- Various soil types
- Areas with moderate moisture, though it’s fairly drought tolerant once established
- USDA hardiness zones approximately 3-8
A Better Alternative: Native Options
If you’re drawn to kingdevil’s sunny yellow blooms and naturalistic appearance, consider these native alternatives that offer similar visual appeal while supporting local ecosystems:
- Wild bergamot for pollinator-friendly flowers
- Black-eyed Susan for bright yellow daisy-like blooms
- Native goldenrods for late-season yellow flowers
- Native asters for similar growth habits and wildlife benefits
The Bottom Line
While kingdevil isn’t a garden villain, it’s not exactly a garden hero either. Its non-native status and spreading tendencies make it less than ideal for intentional cultivation, especially when there are so many beautiful native alternatives that better support local wildlife and ecosystems. If you encounter it growing wild, you can appreciate its cheerful blooms while understanding its place as a naturalized newcomer rather than a native treasure.
When planning your garden, consider choosing native plants that offer similar aesthetic appeal but provide better ecological benefits for your local environment. Your local wildlife – from pollinators to birds – will thank you for the native plant buffet!
