Hieracium

Hawkweeds

Hieracium, commonly known as hawkweed, is a diverse genus of flowering plants within the Asteraceae family. Renowned for its vibrant yellow blooms and serrated leaves, these resilient perennials play vital roles in various ecosystems. Historically, different species have been explored in traditional medicine for their unique bioactive properties.

  • Scientific name: Hieracium
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Asterales, it is a member of the Asteraceae family. Its specific taxonomic identification is defined by the genus Hieracium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Hieracium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, belonging to the genus Hieracia, is known by various traditional names across different languages. In the Netherlands, it is referred to as havikskruid, while in Germany, it is called Habichtskräuter. In Belarus, the name used is Ястрабок, and in Catalonia, it is known as Hieraci. Additionally, in Denmark, the plant is commonly called høgeurt.
Language Common Name Source
nl havikskruid Wikidata
de Habichtskräuter Wikidata
be Ястрабок Wikidata
ca Hieraci Wikidata
da høgeurt Wikidata
el Ιεράκιο Wikidata
et hunditubakas Wikidata
frr Noopruusen Wikidata
hsb Jatřobnik Wikidata
ja ヤナギタンポポ属 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern concentrated throughout the northern regions of Europe. It can be found growing across the landscapes of Denmark and Finland. The species also inhabits the islands of the Faroe Islands and Iceland. Furthermore, its presence is well-documented within the territory of Great Britain. Together, these locations define its primary geographical range in the north.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Føroyar WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP

Chemicals

Hieracium has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include coumarins, flavonoids, phytosterols, terpenoids.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
coumarins 1 ★☆☆☆☆
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
phytosterols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
terpenoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Hieracium has 8 reported activities identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antiepileptic, Antimycotic, Antiviral.

Total activities
8
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiepileptic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimycotic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Diuretic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Gastroprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Hypotensive 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Hieracium has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gastric diseases, intestinal diseases, skin diseases.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
gastric diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
intestinal diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
skin diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆