Grand-toothed Hawkweed - Hieracium grandidens

The leaves are pale green and hairy, usually, but not always, distinctly toothed and forming a large basal rosette with few leaves on the stem. There are short glandular hairs around an inflorescence of yellow flowers typical of the genus. The plant itself is quite tall and nearly always with multiple flower heads. It is one of many similar yellow flowered Hawkweeds.  Expert assistance is needed to reach species level.

There are other very similar species in this genus which means that detailed examination of an actual specimen by an expert is generally needed to identify the exact species.

Stace (4th edition) separates the 415 microspecies into 15 sections which can be identified with care on the basis of leaf characteristics.

Hawkweeds are notoriously difficult to identify and need expert assistance, which may involve forwarding specimens to local or national experts.

Wasteland, verges and grassy places.

Flowering from April or May into the summer months.

Perennial.

Widespread in Britain and seems to be increasing.

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland, probably due to the difficulties of identification.