Definition

Noun 1. A perennial herbaceous plant: Pilosella officinarum is a species of flowering plant in the aster family (Asteraceae). It is characterized by its low-growing, mat-forming habit, soft hairy leaves, and yellow, dandelion-like flower heads borne on leafless stems. It is native to Europe but has been introduced to other regions.

Usage Notes

• This term is primarily used in botanical, horticultural, and ecological contexts. It is the scientific (Latin) name for the plant commonly known as mouse-ear hawkweed.
• The name is the accepted modern botanical name. The reference context mentions it was "sometimes placed in genus ," which is an older classification. In current taxonomy, it is distinguished from the larger genus .

Examples

• Scientific/Descriptive:
  • The meadow was dotted with the bright yellow flowers of Pilosella officinarum.
  • Botanists study the invasive potential of Pilosella officinarum in non-native grasslands.
• Identification:
  • The key identifying feature is its basal rosette of Pilosella officinarum leaves, which are covered in soft, white hairs.

Advanced Usage

• The specific epithet "" indicates that this plant was historically kept in an "officina" (the storeroom of a monastery) for its purported medicinal uses, classifying it as an official herb in early pharmacopoeias.

Variants and Related Words

• Common Name: Mouse-ear hawkweed.
• Former/Synonymous Scientific Name: .
• Genus Name: (the genus containing other closely related hawkweed species).
• Family Name: Asteraceae (the aster, daisy, or sunflower family).

Synonyms

• Mouse-ear hawkweed (common name).
• L. (obsolete botanical synonym).

Noun

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