Spotted Hawkweed
Hypochoeris maculata
Family: Asteraceae or Compositae
What it is like
Hypochoeris maculata is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Calcareous pastures and grassy cliffs. A rare and decreasing plant in Britain.
Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to the Pyrenees, N. Italy and Balkans.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves - raw or cooked. They are occasionally added to salads or boiled in broths.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a well-drained soil and a sunny position, growing well on chalky soils.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have sufficient seed it can be sown outdoors in situ in the spring.
Best place to grow: Meadow;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist