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, 8"-40" tall forb with milky juice; smooth stems mostly leafless or with 1-2 small leaves; roots not forming mat
Leaves: oblong, stalked, mostly basal, pale green to whitish with soft hairs
Flowers: head 1/2" - 3/4" wide with yellow rays; inflorescence of several, long-stalked heads in compact to open clusters; blooms June-Sept.
Habitat: meadows, roadsides
Invasiveness: Invasive - Eradicate!
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized; ecologically invasive

Flora of North America: Flora of North America 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