Question: Arthur, I saw a few of these last year but they are now taking over an area around a ledge …
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Question
Arthur, I saw a few of these last year but they are now taking over an area around a ledge and even growing out of stone walls. This is in Southeast MA (Dighton). It appears to be Hieracium maculatum but maybe a cultivar that spreads rapidly. Any thoughts? David
Answer
Dear David, good morning. Wonderful images--thank you for sharing them. Yes, this is the plant that would be called Hieracium maculatum (spotted hawkweed). What we have noticed in New England is that plants in the open have leaf blades with red blotches and those in deep shade are without blotches (and those with dappled sun have faint blotches). It calls into question this species as a valid entity. Based on our observations, it appears the correct name would be Hieracium lachenalii (common hawkweed). It would be useful to have your observations of this population (if plants occur in sun and shade). Feel free to email me at ahaines@nativeplanttrust.org.
