Etymology: Hieracium: classical name hierakion from ancient Greek hierax, "a hawk". The Roman naturalist Pliny believed that hawks fed on this plant to strengthen their eyesight and thus it became the Greek and Latin name for this and similar plants, called hawkweed.
Plants: erect, perennial, 4"-24" tall forb with milky juice; stems very hairy; root forming mats
Leaves: mostly basal, 1 or 2 smaller ones on the stem, very hairy
Flowers: head 3/4" -1" wide with red to orange rays; inflorescence compact clusters with 5-50 short-stalked heads; blooms June-Oct.
Habitat: disturbed sites
Invasiveness: Invasive - Eradicate!
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized; ecologically invasive
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Invasive And Exotic Species of North America: Descriptions, management issues, warnings, photos, etc. WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin invasive species including decription, habitats, control methods USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos