ID: Lesser Hawkbit vs. Autumn Hawkbit at Wyre Forest

Whilst out sunning myself in autumn colours at Wyre, I spotted these two:

1. Lesser Hawkbit Leontodon saxatilis
2. Autumn Hawkbit Scorzoneroides autumnalis

Affectionately referred to as ‘DYCs’ (Damn yellow composites) by Joey Santore, they both sit within the dandelion tribe, ‘Cichorieae’ of the daisy family Asteraceae.

Both are yellow, both are small, both have no stem leaves, but Lesser Hawkbit (in true Leontodon fashion) has forked hairs, whilst Autumn Hawkbit (different genus, Scorzoneroides) has simple hairs only.

Some confusion arises between Lesser Hawkbit and Rough Hawkbit Leontodon hispidus (below), but the latter is taller, hairier and occurs in basic and mesotrophic meadows. Whereas locally, I seem to see Lesser Hawkbit in heathy, acid habitats such as Wyre, more often.