Rough Hawkbit, Bristly hawkbit
Leontodon hispidus
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Leontodon hispidus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Meadows, roadside verges etc, usually on calcareous soils and avoiding shade.
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain, the Caucasus and Iran.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves - raw or cooked. Neither the taste nor the texture are by any means wonderful, but the leaves are acceptable raw, particularly since they can be available in the late winter. The roasted root is a coffee substitute.
Coffee: the various substitutes that can be used instead of coffee.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The herb is diuretic. An infusion is used in the treatment of kidney complaints and as a remedy for dropsy and jaundice.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Other
Rating:
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
An easily grown and tolerant plant, it prefers a sunny position in a well-drained soil and does well on clay. A good bee and butterfly plant, it grows well in the spring meadow.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in situ, only just covering the seed. Very fast germination. The seed can also be sown in the spring. If you are short of seed it can be sown in a pot in the cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer.
Best place to grow: Meadow;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist