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 forb with milky juice; stems very hairy; roots forming mats with long runners or stolons
Leaves: mostly basal, 1 or 2 smaller ones on the stem
Flowers: head with yellow rays; inflorescence compact clusters with 5-50 short-stalked heads; blooms May-Sept.
Habitat: disturbed sites
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Invasive And Exotic Species of North America: Descriptions, management issues, warnings, photos, etc. USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions