Hawkbit (Leontodon taraxacoides)
Hawkbit is a deep-rooted perennial weed that looks very similar to dandelion, catsear, and hawksbeard — all those familiar flat weeds with yellow flowers that pop up in lawns. It’s most often found in low-fertility or compacted soil, where grass struggles to compete.
Hawkbit tolerates drought extremely well thanks to its long taproot, which lets it keep growing even when the lawn browns off. Because its seeds are wind-blown, it spreads easily into lawns, garden beds, driveways, and even cracks in concrete or asphalt. Once it’s established, it can be difficult to remove completely.
Identification
Hawkbit grows as a flat rosette at ground level, allowing it to survive mowing and traffic. Its narrow, hairy leaves radiate out from a central crown and are typically more finely lobed than those of catsear.
If you look closely, hawkbit hairs often have split or forked tips, which is one of the easiest ways to tell it apart from catsear. Unlike dandelion or hawksbeard, hawkbit’s flower stems are wiry and solid, not hollow, and unbranched — each stem carries a single yellow flower about 2 cm wide.
After flowering, the seed heads turn into fluffy white pappus balls, similar to dandelion, which help the seeds drift long distances in the wind.
Why It’s a Problem in Lawns
Hawkbit thrives in thin, underfed lawns and can quickly form scattered patches that stand out due to their coarse texture and upright flowers. The leaves grow flat to the ground, making mowing less effective at weakening the plant.
Its strong taproot makes hand-pulling difficult unless the whole root is removed, and any small piece left behind can regrow. Over time, it contributes to a patchy lawn surface and encourages further invasion by other flat weeds like catsear and dandelion.
Control in Home Lawns
Hawkbit can be controlled effectively with selective broadleaf herbicides, though a healthy lawn is your best long-term defence.
Best control methods:
- Physical removal: Hand-dig plants using a narrow weeding tool, making sure to remove the full taproot. It’s easiest after rain when soil is soft.
- Chemical control: Use selective turf herbicides containing clopyralid (NZLA BWC), triclopyr/picloram (NZLA Gold), or common MCPA/mecoprop/dicamba mixes available in garden centres. These will kill hawkbit without harming most turf grasses.
- Cultural control: Fertilise to boost grass vigour, and overseed bare areas to stop new seedlings establishing. Regular mowing at a moderate height helps prevent flowering and seed spread.
- Important: Clopyralid and picloram residues can persist in lawn clippings for months, so don’t compost or use treated clippings as mulch.
Prevention Tips
- Keep lawns well-fed with balanced fertiliser to discourage low-fertility weeds.
- Aerate compacted soil in spring or autumn.
- Maintain consistent mowing and irrigation to favour dense grass cover.
- Reseed thin or dry areas before autumn to block new germination.