Pilosella moechiadia
Local name: bakkesvæve
Pilosella moechiadia (bakkesvæve) is a small perennial herb in the sunflower family, characterized by its rosette of hairy, lance-shaped leaves and bright yellow composite flowers that bloom on slender stems. This specialized hawkweed species plays an important role in supporting pollinators in its native Scandinavian ecosystems, particularly serving as a nectar source for various butterfly and bee species during its flowering period.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Asterales
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Pilosella
Pilosella moechiadia belongs to the family Asteraceae, order Asterales, within the Magnoliopsida class.
Species Profile
Pilosella moechiadia (bakkesvæve) is a small perennial herb in the sunflower family, characterized by its rosette of hairy, lance-shaped leaves and bright yellow composite flowers that bloom on slender stems. This specialized hawkweed species plays an important role in supporting pollinators in its native Scandinavian ecosystems, particularly serving as a nectar source for various butterfly and bee species during its flowering period.
Pilosella moechiadia faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development in its limited range. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its restricted distribution and specialized habitat requirements, making it highly susceptible to local extinctions from land use changes.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Bakkesvæve inhabits dry, nutrient-poor grasslands and open slopes with well-drained sandy or rocky soils, typically found in coastal areas and inland hills of Scandinavia. The species favors sunny locations with sparse vegetation cover where competition from taller grasses and shrubs is limited.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Pilosella moechiadia faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development in its limited range. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its restricted distribution and specialized habitat requirements, making it highly susceptible to local extinctions from land use changes.
Agricultural intensification and conversion of grasslands
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Changes in land management practices
Climate change impacts on suitable habitat
Habitat fragmentation
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Pilosella moechiadia (Pilosella moechiadia). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/bakkesvve