Hawksbeard (Crepis capillaris)

Widespread annual, often confused with a number of other weed species such as dandelion.

 

Identification

Initially a flat rosette until flowering when it produces branched, leafy flower stems (unlike dandelion) with yellow flowers. ‘Feathery’ pappus carry seeds by wind.

 

Characteristics

Hawksbeard can be a problem in newly sown pastures, as being an annual it needs bare soil to establish each year.