Asteraceae

Pilosella aurantiaca

Common Names: Orange hawkweed

Plant Form: Low-growing perennial rosette herb. Size: Up to 40 cm 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). Impacts: Major threat through competition to endangered alpine flora (and subsequently) fauna, unpalatable to livestock.