Hawkweed (Hieracium)

"This is a highly variable genus and many species occur in North America, of which some are native and some are introduced from Europe. YELLOW HAWKWEED, ORANGE HAWKWEED and MOUSEEAR HAWKWEED are introduced species. Since their introduction, these hawkweeds have spread throughout the eastern half of the U.S. They have become especially troublesome in the northcentral U.S. They generally occur in undisturbed locations, such as lawns, fields, pastures and roadsides. YELLOW and ORANGE HAWKWEED are abundant in the eastern half of Ohio, while MOUSE-EAR HAWKWEED occurs sparsely in the northeastern corner of the state. Hawkweeds mainly grow in shallow, sandy or gravelly soils and prefer slightly acidic conditions.

The common name 'hawkweed' and the Latin name Hieracium (hierax means 'hawk') originated from a folk tale that hawks ate different parts of the plant to improve their eyesight. As a result, hawkweeds have also been called hawkbits and speerhawks.

• Several alternative common names for yellow and orange hawkweed contain the word 'devil'. These names originated with farmers who considered them troublesome weeds.
• Mouseear hawkweed got its common name because of the soft, wooly feel of its leaves.
• In past times, orange hawkweed was also called 'grimm the collier' (coalminer), because the black hairs on the stem brought to mind a coalminer after a long, dirty day of work.
• Hawkweeds were used in early Europe to treat lung disorders, stomach pains, cramps, and convulsions. They have also been used as beauty treatments.
• In the past, Native Americans used native hawkweeds for chewing gum."

​