Select the species of Hieracium:
Hawkweeds are a very large group of northern hemisphere species in the daisy family (Asteracea). Of the many thousands of hawkweeds, nine species and one hybid are present in New Zealand (Webb et al 1988). They were probably introduced as contaminants of crop or pasture seed between 1850 - 1870. Their weed potential was first noted in the 1920s (Allen 1920) though they remained relatively rare until after World War II (Connor 1964). Since the 1950s they have spread extensively and are now regarded as major weeds in New Zealand's rangelands, particularly in the South Island (Hunter et al 1992).
Different species have different growth and structural characteristics. These factors influence the management options available for control. There are four main species:
Page last updated Friday, May 14, 1999