Pilosella aurantiaca, commonly known as Devil’s-Paintbrush, Fox-and-Cubs, Tawny Hawkweed, or King-Devil, is a perennial herb that is native to alpine meadows, grasslands, and open areas in Northern Europe. It typically grows to a height of 1.75-2.5 feet (0.5-0.8 meters) and spreads about 1-1.25 feet (0.3-0.4 meters). This species is characterized by its rosette of basal leaves and tall, leafless flowering stems that bear clusters of bright orange, dandelion-like flowers from late spring to midsummer. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators and are quite showy, making them a popular choice for naturalistic plantings.

Devil’s-Paintbrush is valued for its vibrant flower color and its ability to thrive in a range of conditions, including poor soils. It is often used in wildflower meadows, as a ground cover in sunny areas, and in pollinator gardens. It prefers full sun to part shade and adapts well to medium or fast-draining clay, loam, or sandy soils. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Gardeners should be aware that this plant can spread aggressively by stolons and seeds, potentially becoming invasive in some areas.CC BY-SA 4.0