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: Alpine grasslands, woodlands, open heathlands. Distinguishing Features: Bright orange or reddish flower colour is distinctive from other Hawkweeds (Pilosella species) and Flatweeds (Hypochaeris species). Weed Status: Priority Weed Weed Type: Environmental, Common, Invasive Garden Escapee Lifeform: Herbaceous

Example images for this weed