Hawkweed orange
(Hieracium aurantiacum)

Description:
Orange hawkweed has matted hairy leaves and handsome flowers, each about an inch in diameter and usually red on the margin, merging into an orange-colored center. The flowering branches, or shoots, grow from a few inches to two feet in height. They are leafless and covered with stiff black hairs.

Economic Importance: Hawkweeds are aggressive competitors of pasture and range plant species. Orange hawkweed is unpalatable and thus crowds out more palatable species.

Geographic Distribution: Orange hawkweed is widely distributed in northeastern Washington with the largest known population in Pend Oreille County. It is occasionally reported from western Washington.

Habitat: Orange hawkweed grows in permanent meadows, grasslands, rangelands, and pastures.

History: Orange hawkweed was first introduced from Europe into New England because of its attractive flame-colored flowers. Originally it was a garden ornamental. This species was introduced to Spokane in 1945.

Reproduction: Orange hawkweed reproduces from seeds and stolons and/or rhizomes.

• Mechanical: In scattered patches of small size, the simplest mode of attack is to dig out the orange hawkweed plants. Make sure that all of the below-ground growth is also removed, since even a small piece if left in the soil may develop into a new plant. These plants should be carried away and either burned or placed in a refuse pile where they can do no harm.
• Biological:Not Known
• Herbicide:Not Known

For More Information:
Detailed information about Hawkweed orange is available at the Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board Web Site.