Oriental False Hawksbeard (Youngia japonica)

Oriental False Hawkbeard (Youngia japonica) appears first as a rosette about 7-8 inches in diameter although it may be much larger if the plant is growing in partial shade. Its leaves are somewhat similar to a dandelion or thistle.

The flower stem grows quite suddenly. Flowers are arranged in heads. Deer will nibble on the flower heads.

The leaves on the stem are somewhat reminiscent of a thistle leaf. Flowers are also developing in the leaf axil.

The individual flowers are quite pretty

As the flowers age, they expand to be lanky.

Oriental False Hawksbeard is found in the maritime states from Pennsylvania to Texas and in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Arkansas; it is also found in Puerto Rico and Hawaii.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Youngia japonica (Oriental False Hawksbeard)

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Oriental False Hawksbeard (Youngia japonica)

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower