Noxious Weeds That Harm Washington State

yellow hawkweedHieracium caespitosumIdentification: Yellow hawkweed is anherbaceous perennial. Leaves are primarily basal- growing close to the ground from the baseof the plant. They are narrow, 4-6 inches long,and covered in hairs. Dandelion-like flowers areyellow, ¾ inches in diameter, and grow in clustersat the top of a leafless, hairy stem that exudesa milky white sap when broken. The flowerbracts of meadow hawkweed and several othernon-native, invasive hawkweeds are covered indistinctively dark, bristly hairs.Impact: Yellow hawkweed reproduces by seed,stolons, and rhizomes and is an aggressivecompetitor in mountain meadows, rangeland,and may even invade cultivated fields. It isunpalatable and crowds out more desirableforage. There are several other yellow-floweredhawkweeds on the noxious weed list. Learn moreabout them at www.nwcb.wa.gov.Control: Small infestations may be hand-pulledor dug out, but the entire plant must be removedsince it can resprout. For larger infestations,selective herbicides can be effective.W-26