Hawkweed (Hieracium), a genus of plants of the natural order Compositæ, sub-order Cichoraceæ.
(Hieracium aurantiacum).
The species are perennial herbs of no popular interest with the exception of the Orange Hawkweed (H. aurantiacum), a native of the south of Europe, which on account of its handsome orange flowers is frequently cultivated in gardens. The popular name is founded on an ancient belief that birds of prey used the juice of the species to strengthen their vision.
The English name Hawkweed, the German Habichts-krant, and the French Eperrière all testify to this curious belief having been formerly universally entertained.