Hawkbit

Taxobox | name = Hawkbits

---

image_width = 250px
image_caption = "Leontodon pyrenaicus" subsp. "helveticus"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
unranked_classis = eudicots
ordo = Asterales
familia = Asteraceae
tribus = Cichorieae
genus = "Leontodon"
genus_authority = L.
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "see text"

Hawkbits ("Leontodon spp.") are dandelion-like flowers in the family Asteraceae (Compositae). Their English name derives from the mediæval belief that hawks ate the plant to improve their eyesight. Although originally native to Eurasia and North Africa, they have since become established in other countries, including the United States and New Zealand.

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".

pecies of "Leontodon"

*"L. autumnalis"
*"L. borii"
*"L. carpetanus"
*"L. cichoraceus"
*"L. crispus"
*"L. croceus"
*"L. duboisii"
*"L. filii"
*"L. hellenicus"
*"L. hirtus"
*"L. hispidulus"
*"L. hispidus"
*"L. incanus"
*"L. keretinus"
*"L. marrocanus"
*"L. microcephalus"
*"L. montanus"
*"L. muelleri"
*"L. pyrenaicus"
*"L. repens"
*"L. rigens"
*"L. salzmannii"
*"L. schischkinii"
*"L. siculus"
*"L. taraxacoides"
*"L. tuberosus"