Rough hawkweed (Hieracium scabrum, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 86 (1803))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 86 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hieracium

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Rough hawkweed, scientifically known as Hieracium scabrum, is a fascinating plant native to Eastern Canada and the eastern United States, stretching as far south as North Carolina. First documented in 1803 in Flora Boreali-Americana by the esteemed botanist Michaux, this resilient species is a notable member of the Asteraceae family.

Rough hawkweed is named for its distinctive rough, hairy texture which can be felt upon touching its leaves and stems. This texture helps differentiate it from other species within the hawkweed genus. The plant typically thrives in a variety of habitats, including open fields, meadows, and wooded areas where it enjoys partial to full sun exposure.

This wildflower produces bright yellow, dandelion-like blooms that bring a splash of color to its environment from late spring through summer. Each flower head is composed of numerous tiny florets, which together create a vibrant display that not only adds visual interest but also provides nectar and pollen for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

The erect stems and basal rosette of leaves are characteristic features of the rough hawkweed. The basal leaves are relatively broader and more ovate, while the upper leaves on the stem become progressively smaller and more lance-shaped. All leaves are covered with stiff, bristly hairs, contributing to the plant’s common name and making it easily identifiable.

Despite its beauty and ecological contributions, rough hawkweed can sometimes be considered a weedy species, especially in disturbed soils where it can spread quickly. Its ability to produce numerous seeds, dispersed by the wind, allows it to colonize new areas effectively.

In summary, rough hawkweed (Hieracium scabrum) is not only a botanical curiosity but also a significant component of the flora in its native range. Its rough texture, sunny blooms, and adaptability make it a plant worth recognizing and studying for both amateur botanists and seasoned researchers alike.

Common Names

Eng: rough hawkweed, sticky hawkweed
Fra: épervière scabre
En: Rough hawkweed, Sticky hawkweed
Fr: Épervière scabre

Synonyms

• Hieracium scabrum var. leucocaule (Fernald & H.St.John)
• Hieracium scabrum var. simplex (Froel. ex DC.)
• Hieracium scabrum var. tonsum (Fernald & H.St.John)
• Hieracium scabrum var. bipartitum (Froel. ex DC.)
• Hieracium scabrum var. hirsutum (Froel. ex DC.)
• Hieracium scabrum var. intonsum (Fernald & H.St.John)
• Hieracium scabrum var. leiocephalum (Froel. ex DC.)

Distribution

• Arkansas (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2013 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)

Flower

Taken Mar 16, 2014 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2014 by EOL − Richard Spellenberg (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2013 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Bark

Taken Sep 6, 2013 by EOL − Robert L Curtis (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3135776)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:222700-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hieracium scabrum Michx.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth