Eastern Forest Threat Center - Orange Hawkweed

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Orange hawkweed infestation

Orange hawkweed infestation

Michael Shephard, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Orange Hawkweed
Hieracium aurantiacum

Orange hawkweed is native to Europe. It was introduced into the U.S. as an ornamental for its desirable flame-colored flowers.

Keywords: Asteraceae, perennial, herb; Common names: orange paintbrush, red daisy flameweed, devil's weed, grim-the-collier, fox-and-cubs, missionary weed

Distribution Map Distribution Source Image

Threat Description

Orange hawkweed is a perennial herb growing 10-36 in. tall. Simple leaves are basal and about 4½ in. in length. Erect stems contain a milky juice and branch at the top to produce flower heads. Both leaves and stems are covered with hairs. Conspicuous orange-red ray flowers bloom June-September. Each produces 12-30 tiny barbed and bristled seeds that can be dispersed by wind, water, or “hitch-hiking”, and are often moved in contaminated soil associated with transplanting new plants into gardens and flowerbeds. Seeds remain viable in soil for up to 7 years. Roots are shallow and fibrous with aboveground stolons and below ground rhizomes that allow for aggressive vegetative reproduction. Orange hawkweed prefers full sun or partial shade and well drained, coarse-textured soils. It invades urban sites, moist meadows, pasture, hay fields, roadsides, gravel pits, forested areas, tree plantations, and riparian areas. It forms extensive mats that can aggressively compete with forest understory plants for space, light, and soil nutrients. It has been reported to produce phytotoxic chemicals in pollen grains that inhibit seed germination, seedling emergence, or regeneration of other plants.