Orange hawkweed is native to central and southern Europe, but after its introduction
to other areas of the world as an ornamental plant, it has become a bit too widespread in
some areas. It is considered an invasive species or noxious weed in several U.S. states, two
Canadian provinces, Australia, and New Zealand. Sure is pretty though.
Identification: Plants are 8-24″ (20-60 cm) high. Leaves are
mostly at the bottom, spatula-shaped and very fuzzy, up to 5″ (12 cm) long. Leaves, stems, and
stolons produce a milky latex when broken.
Tall fuzzy stems support small clusters of bright orange
flowers with paler orange centers, each ½-¾″ (1.3-1.9 cm) across. Flower rays have squared off tips that have several serrations.
There is only one orange hawkweed (vs. more than a dozen
yellow varieties), so these are relatively easy to identify.
8/2/2009 · Gordon & Kathy’s, Prospect, Maine · ≈ 4 × 2½″ (10 × 7 cm)
The fuzzy leaves in this jumble are the basal leaves of the orange hawkweed. · 9/29/2012 · Franconia Notch Area, New Hampshire · ≈ 9 × 6″ (22 × 14 cm)
Hieracium aurantiacum description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 26 Jul 2023.