Hawkweeds

Family: Asteraceae
Scientific name: Pilosella species
Description: Plant Form Low-growing perennial rosette herb. Size Up to 40cm tall. Stem Very short, exudes a milky sap when broken, flower stalks hairy and about 35 cm long. Leaves In tufts at base, about 15 cm long, slightly spear shaped, covered in fine hairs. Flowers Densely clustered at end of stalk 15-30 mm diameter with rows of very bright orange or reddish florets, with green bracts. Fruit and Seeds Narrow L-shaped about 2 mm long with parachuting hairs, in dandelion-like ball. Habitat Narrow L-shaped about 2 mm long with parachuting hairs. Distinguishing Features Bright orange or reddish flower colour is distinctive from other Hawkweeds (Pilosella species) and Flatweeds (Hypochaeris species). Impacts Major threat through competition to endangered alpine flora (and subsequently) fauna, unpalatable to livestock.

Example images for this weed