Autumnal Hawkbit (Leontodon autumnalis)

There are lots of flowers we call Dandelions and many, of course, are not! They may have yellow Dandelion flower heads and turn into Dandelion clocks but they are not Dandelions. The challenge is telling them apart.

I am not a botanist but by applying some basic principals identification of these tough species (thistles are another one) becomes a bit easier.

Firstly, some species are more common than others and this is a good starting point because you are, statistically, more likely to see a common species than a rare one. Then, time of year and habitat play a role.

This species, Autumnal Hawkbit is very common at this time of year and can be found in all sorts of habitat but it really loves a bit of rough ground or roadside verge. It is a tall plant, often three to four feet tall (so it can't be a Dandelion!). It also has stems that branch out with a single flower on each branch.

It is a scruffy, untidy flower that likes scruffy, untidy places. A true 'weed'.

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