Autumn hawkbit
Scientific name: Scorzoneroides autumnalis
Family: Asteraceae
Other common names; Autumn dandelion
Flowering time: June to October
Height: to 40cm
Nectar source for: many butterflies and bees
Food source for: Twite
Description
A perennial plant and a useful indicator of old meadows. The Latin name of the hawkbit’s gens (Leontodon) literally translates to Lion’s Tooth. This is due to the jagged edges of the flower’s petals. Rather interestingly, the name “hawkbit” stems from the ancient belief that hawks used to eat this plant to improve their eyesight.
How to identify: Leaves deeply pinnatifid with few unforked hairs. Flower stems branched 2-3 times, involucre is long wand tapers into stalk. Tips of the petals are five toothed.
How to propagate: Autumn Hawkbit seeds should be sown in autumn, either outside, where they are to flower, or in seed trays and covered lightly with compost. Seedlings, can be pricked out and grown on, for planting out the following autumn.
Family: Asteraceae
Other common names; Autumn dandelion
Flowering time: June to October
Height: to 40cm
Nectar source for: many butterflies and bees
Food source for: Twite
Description
A perennial plant and a useful indicator of old meadows. The Latin name of the hawkbit’s gens (Leontodon) literally translates to Lion’s Tooth. This is due to the jagged edges of the flower’s petals. Rather interestingly, the name “hawkbit” stems from the ancient belief that hawks used to eat this plant to improve their eyesight.
How to identify: Leaves deeply pinnatifid with few unforked hairs. Flower stems branched 2-3 times, involucre is long wand tapers into stalk. Tips of the petals are five toothed.
How to propagate: Autumn Hawkbit seeds should be sown in autumn, either outside, where they are to flower, or in seed trays and covered lightly with compost. Seedlings, can be pricked out and grown on, for planting out the following autumn.