Narrow-leaved Hawkweed is an erect perennial that grows to about 80cm tall. It is hairy, and bears bright yellow flowers in small flat-topped clusters on leafy stems. The flowers are composed of ray florets only and are backed by blackish, hairless bracts that have recurved tips. The narrow, lanceolate leaves are all on the stem, barely toothed and have slightly rolled-down margins. Also known as Leafy Hawkweed, this plant is one of a very complex group of microspecies that are extremely difficult to identify. They are very variable, mostly hairy, erect and have the typical flowerhead of strap-shaped florets of Hawkweeds.
This is a native species that has only been recorded in a few scattered locations – the map of its distribution is interesting. It tends to be found in woods, on dry soil and heaths. It flowers from June to October and belongs to the Daisy or Asteraceae family.
I noticed this plant in the woods at the Raven in County Wexford in 2018 as I sat and ate my sandwiches on a day of rambling and finding lovely aspects of nature. I photographed it at that time.
If you are satisfied you have correctly identified this plant, please submit your sighting to the National Biodiversity Data Centre
