Definition

Noun: 1. A perennial herbaceous plant (Pilosella officinarum, formerly Hieracium pilosella) native to Europe, characterized by its soft, hairy, mouse-ear shaped leaves and typically producing yellow, dandelion-like flower heads on leafless stems.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The meadow was dotted with the bright yellow flowers of mouse-ear hawkweed.
  • Botanists study mouse-ear hawkweed for its invasive potential in some regions.
  • You can identify mouse-ear hawkweed by its distinctive rosette of hairy, oblong leaves.

Advanced Usage

• In Botanical Context: The term is used precisely to distinguish this specific species from other, similar-looking hawkweeds within the large or genera. Its growth habit (forming stolons or runners) and leaf morphology are key identifiers.
• In Ecological Context: Often discussed as an invasive species in areas like North America, where it can form dense mats that outcompete native vegetation.

Variants and Related Words

• Scientific Name: . The older synonym, , may still be encountered.
• Common Names: "Mouse-ear" is the primary descriptor. It is sometimes simply called "hawkweed," though this is a broad term for many species.
• Related Plant: King Devil Hawkweed () is a closely related, often more invasive species.

Synonyms

• Botanical Synonym: (less current).
• Descriptive Terms: hairy hawkweed, yellow-flowered hawkweed.

Notes on Meaning

This term refers exclusively to a specific plant species. It is a compound noun where "mouse-ear" describes the shape and texture of the leaf, and "hawkweed" identifies the plant's genus. It does not have idiomatic or phrasal verb uses.

Noun

1. European hawkweed having soft hairy leaves; sometimes placed in genus Hieracium