Leontodon pyrenaicus

Taxobox | name = "Leontodon pyrenaicus"

---

image_width = 240px
image_caption = "Leontodon pyrenaicus" subsp. "helveticus"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Asterales
familia = Asteraceae
genus = "Leontodon"
species = "L. pyrenaicus"
binomial = "Leontodon pyrenaicus"
binomial_authority = Gouan
subdivision_ranks = Subspecies
subdivision = "L. pyrenaicus" subsp. "cantabricus" "L. pyrenaicus" subsp. "helveticus" "L. pyrenaicus" subsp. "pyrenaicus"

"Leontodon pyrenaicus" is a species of hawkbit found in the Alps, Pyrenees, Cantabrian Mountains, northern Apennines and northern parts of the Balkan Peninsula. It grows in meadows and on stony slopes from the tree line to over 3000 m, usually on acidic soils. It is perennial, and flowers from June to August.

The stems of "L. pyrenaicus" are narrow, up to 30 cm long, with several scale-like leaves, and with a single flower head at the top. The leaves form a basal rosette, and are clearly stalked. The flower heads are 20–20 mm wide and bright yellow.

"L. pyrenaicus" is divided into three allopatric subspecies which differ in their size and in the nature of the hairs on the bracts:
*"L. pyrenaicus" subsp. "cantabricus" lives in the Cantabrian Mountains
*"L. pyrenaicus" subsp. "helveticus" lives in the Alps, Apennines and Balkans
*"L. pyrenaicus" subsp. "pyrenaicus" lives in the Pyrenees

Recent research has shown the genus "Leontodon" to be para– or polyphyletic, with genera such as "Picris" and "Hypochaeris" nesting within it. As a result, based on morphology, molecular evidence and phytochemistry, the former subgenus "Oporinia" may be raised to generic level as the genus "Scorzoneroides". It is also common for the subspecies to be considered separate species, in which case they are called "Leontodon cantabricus", "L. helveticus" and "L. pyrenaicus".

References

*Fischer, M. A., W. Adler & K. Oswald (2005): "Exkursionsflora für Österreich, Liechtenstein und Südtirol". 2nd edn. Land Oberösterreich, Biologiezentrum des OÖ Landesmuseum, Linz, 1392 pp. ISBN 3-85474-140-5