Overview
The Species on the Edge Shetland team are working with local partners to secure a future for 17 endemic hawkweed species in Shetland.
Species information
How to identify
Hawkweeds are perennial plants, varying in height from about 20 to 50cm with yellow, dandelion-like flowers and lance-shaped leaves, sometimes toothed or blotched with red. All species have a basal rosette of leaves from which one or more flowering stems arise. The plants’ height, the number of leaves on these stems, and the ratio of leaf length to width vary from species to species.
Distribution
Endemic to Shetland.
Threats
- Grazing – Hawkweeds survive only in areas where they are not routinely subjected to heavy grazing.
- Changes in meadow management
- Lack of management
- Development – As with all species with a very localised distribution, hawkweed populations are vulnerable to loss of land to development such as quarrying, building and road widening
- Natural disasters – Similarly, very localised species are vulnerable to natural events such as floods and landslides.
What Species on the Edge is doing
We are establishing and managing a programme to refresh cultivated stock of 17 endemic hawkweed species occurring on Shetland. This will include the collection and germination of seeds. We are carrying out reintroductions to establish hawkweed populations in suitable sites within their historic range.
Resources
If you are interested in learning more about our work with hawkweeds, get in touch with the Species on the Edge Shetland team.
Gallery
