Rattlesnakeweed (Hieracium venosum)

Hieracium venosum is known by the common names Rattlesnake Weed or Veiny Hawkweed. So far, I’ve only seen it at Fort Yargo State Park where I saw a patch of plants along the trail south of the Fishing Area (segment 13) – above the cliff where I found the Bank Swallow nest hole. Here, they grow in shade and partial sun.

From a distance, the flowers don’t impress.

The leaves are characteristic in shape and the reddish veining.

The flower head is ‘gangly.’ The plant, from above.

In profile, the flower head is quite artistic.

The flowers, up close.

I didn’t see the seeds but the skeleton of the seed head is characteristic.

Hieracium venosum (Rattlesnakeweed) is native to the eastern United States and Canada. It grows in states east of a line from Ontario, Michigan south to Louisiana and eastwards. It does not grow in Quebec or the Canadian maritime provinces. It grows in Missouri and British Columbia.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Hieracium venosum (Rattlesnakeweed)
- University of North Carolina Herbarium: Hieracium venosum

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Rattlesnakeweed (Hieracium venosum)
- Natural and Naturalized Plants of the Carolinas and Georgia: Hieracium venosum

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower