Asiatic Hawksbeard

​Youngia japonica

Asiatic hawksbeard (Youngia japonica) is a summer annual herb that persists year-round. Native to Asia, Australia, and some Pacific islands, it has invaded much of the eastern United States and Hawaii.  It initially invades in disturbed areas such as roads, trails, and eroded hillsides, but can spread to less disturbed areas via wind-dispersed seeds.

​The leaves of Asiatic hawksbeard occur in basal rosettes and are light green, coarsely toothed, often deeply lobed in the basal half, and covered with short, bristly hairs. The generally leafless branched inflorescence occurs on one or more short hairy stalks (6- to 15- inches tall).  Examined closely, the inflorescence is composed of both ray and disc flowers, both bright yellow and very small, often tipped with dark brown to black, appearing like little dandelions.  Asiatic hawksbeard has been observed in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain of North Carolina.

Fact Sheet: Asiatic Hawksbeard

Photo Credit: Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org

Photo Credit: Karan A. Rawlins, University of Georgia, Bugwood.org