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Field Hawkweed Pilosella caespitosa subsp. caespitosa

Phonetic Spelling
pil-oh-SEL-uh kess-pi-TOH-suh kess-pi-TOH-suh
Description

Meadow Hawkweed with naturalize and often grows in large colonies.  Considered to be a weed, it spreads rapidly through its rhizomes, abundant wind-dispersed seed, and its root bud production.   Introduced as a garden ornamental from its native Europe it is currently commercially available as an ornamental garden plant. 

It can be found growing in the wild in fields, along roadsides, and in sparse woodlands.  In its native setting, it is often found growing in patches of moist pastures with nutrient-poor soil in swampy locations.  Disturbed lands such as roadsides, and along railway lines will allow the plant to flourish.  it is often found as a contaminant of agricultural seed.  Due to its aggressive nature, it is a fierce competitor of native plants.  

For removal, dig or hand pull the plants out ensuring that the rhizomes are also removed.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  This weedy plant is unpalatable to mammals and competes with native forage.  

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#high maintenance#fast growing#aggressive#herbaceous#herbaceous perennial#perennial#weed
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#high maintenance#fast growing#aggressive#herbaceous#herbaceous perennial#perennial#weed
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Pilosella caespitosa
    Species:
    caespitosa
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Europe
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Wildflower
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    High
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Frequent Standing Water
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    Yellow, dandelion-like flower heads in tight clusters; 5 to 40 flowers per cluster
  • Leaves:
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Description:
    Stems, leaves and bracts have dense, blackish hairs; few if any stem leaves; basal leaves are lance-shaped
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Woodland
    Problems:
    Weedy