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Class A Noxious Weed

European Hawkweed
Hieracium sabaudum
 

Other common names: New England hawkweed
 Plant family: Asteraceae
Year listed: 2008
Native to: Europe

Why is it a noxious weed?

Hawkweeds are prolific seed producers, weedy and capable of hybridizing with many exotic and probably native species. Hawkweeds are aggressive competitors of pasture, range and native plant species.

How would I identify it?
General Description: Perennial herb, height is between 40 - 130 cm. tall. Has similar characteristics of other hawkweeds, but does not have stolons.

Leaves:

  • lanceolate, oblong-lanceolate to ovate
  • 2-18 cm long and 1-4 cm wide
  • lower surfaces of leaves contain hairs similar to those on the stem
  • upper surfaces of leaves are either also similarly covered with hairs, or are glabrous
  • about 50 stem leaves, mainly clustered at the base and getting smaller up the stem
  • basal leaves absent or fall off during flowering period
  • stem leaves are toothed and, in general, are oblong and narrowly tapered to a petiole


Flowers:

  • bracts covered with glandular, as well as long, simple hairs
  • 3-12 yellow flowerheads in open corymbiform

 

Stems:

  • robust and exudes milky juice when broken
  • lower portion of stem has dense arrangement of long, firm, bulbous-based, simple hairs; stellate hairs lacking
  • multiple stems may arise from caudex

How does it reproduce?

European hawkweed reproduces by seed only.

Where does it grow?
European hawkweed is found roadside and waste areas.

What is the distribution in Washington State?
 

 

  • Distribution map not available at this time.

How do I control it?

General control methods: There has been no control methods found specific to European hawkweed. Methods for other hawkweed species can be utilized.

Cultural: For hawkweed control in general, low nutrient soils can be supplemented with fertilizer to encourage growth and competition of desirable grass species.

Herbicide: Please refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook, or contact your county noxious weed coordinator.

Mechanical: Mowing prevents seed production. Small infestations can be hand dug.

Biological: None known.

Are there plants that may be confused with European hawkweed?

This is another species of the genus that belongs to a large complex without any clear specific boundaries. Many hawkweeds are very similar in appearance. It may also be confused with dandelion. If you need help with plant identification, please contact  your county noxious weed coordinator.

For more information
For more information, download our Written Findings.

 

More Photos-Coming Soon!
 
           
           

 Last updated July 09, 2008