Orange Hawkweed?

[IanP]

I guessed this plant, seen in the Dales last week, must be an escapee, so strong is the colour. One reference I have says Orange Hawkweed, the other Fox-and-cubs. The latin names appear to be quite different. Both say it should have flowered no later than August.

[Johnny81]

Fox and cubs/orange hawkeed are both Pilosella aurantiaca - the other name could be a synonym.

[IanP]

Hi,

thanks for that. One reference is indeed as you describe, the other quite different:

Orange Hawkweed Hieracium aurantacium

[Dorts]

Fox and Cubs is officially Pilosella aurantiaca, as John has said.

It was originally Hieracium aurantacium as it was thought to be one of the Hawkweeds, (Hieracium's),
but quite rightly was moved some time ago to the Pilosella's.

It is not native and originally escaped from gardens, where it was grown as an ornamental plant.
50 or so years ago it was classed as rare in the wild!
Dorts.

[Johnny81]

A plant I find in nearly every village churchyard I survey!

[poschiavanus]

Originally Posted by Johnny81

A plant I find in nearly every village churchyard I survey!

My thought exactly. I particularly associate it with the cemetery and churchyard of Llan Ffestiniog where my Uncle and Great-Grandmother are buried. The orange flowers contrast with the gravestones which are predominantly of slate.

[Dorts]

Originally Posted by poschiavanus

I particularly associate it with the cemetery and churchyard of Llan Ffestiniog where my Uncle and Great-Grandmother are buried. The orange flowers contrast with the gravestones which are predominantly of slate.

I know that lovely cemetery well. Just 4 miles from me.

Fox and Cubs has certainly become very common and widespread in the last half-century.

[Meta menardi]

Also known as Grim the Collier.

[IanP]

Thanks all,

I always learn something on this site. I've provided a link to this thread on contact address on the website I got the out-of-date name from.