Wikijunior:Summer Flowers of Northern New England/Hieracium pratense

Yellow Hawkweed (Hieracium pratense)
Opened and closed flower heads
Description: Yellow Hawkweed is a tall weed (about three feet) whose flower looks a lot like a dandelion. But unlike the dandelion, it will produce several flowers in a cluster at the top of the stem. The leaves are hairy and stay near the ground grouped around the stem (which is also hairy). Quick Facts: How did Yellow Hawkweed get its name? They yellow part is easy (look at the flower!). The weed part is easy too. But what about the hawk part? Long ago people used Yellow Hawkweed to treat poor eyesight. They thought that hawks ate this plant, and that was why they have such great vision. Though there is a connection between our health and our diet, eating Yellow Hawkweed will not make you see better.