Autumn Hawkbit (Note: This is a wild herbaceous perennial, not a tree)
Scorzoneroides autumnalis (formerly Leontodon autumnalis) · Herbaceous Perennial (Not a tree classification)
Plant Family
Asteraceae
Tree Category
Wildflower / Weed
Variety / Cultivar
Not applicable (Wild species)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 9
About This Tree
While not a tree, this plant forms a basal rosette of leaves from which thin, branching, leafless flowering stalks emerge. It features bright yellow daisy-like flower heads and is often mistaken for a dandelion, though it is smaller and more branched.
Leaf Characteristics
Leaves are mostly basal, elongated, and deeply lobed or toothed; they are hairless or slightly hairy and bright green.
Bark Characteristics
Not applicable; stems are green, slender, and slightly thickened toward the flower head.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Europe and Western Asia; naturalized in North America
Growing Season
Emerges in late spring; flowers significantly from July through October
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist but well-drained soil; relatively drought tolerant once established.
Mature Size
Reaches 6 to 18 inches in height; spread is 6 to 10 inches wide.
Special Characteristics
Often found in lawns and meadows; very resilient to mowing; serves as a late-season nectar source for pollinators.
Wildlife & Ecology
Highly valuable to late-season pollinators including hoverflies, bees, and butterflies; seeds are consumed by small birds.