Orange Hawkweed

Pilosella aurantiaca

Orange Hawkweed features orange composite flowerheads made up of 40-80 florets. The stems are hairy and lack leaves, and if cut, they may release a white latex. This plant is also referred to as 'Fox-and-cubs.' In Hainault Forest, it is only found in the heathland at Chigwell Row. The heathland is distinctive in the forest due to its soil, which is formed from glacial sand, contrasting with the clay soil prevalent elsewhere. The glacial sand supports a variety of heathland flora, including petty whin, orange hawkweed, heather, lousewort, and dwarf gorse. However, many of these plants have seen a decline (some now possibly extinct) over the past 20 years due to insufficient maintenance, resulting in bramble being allowed to encroach on the area.