EN

Pilosella moechiadia

Local name: bakkesvæve

Unknown

Overview

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.

Threat summary

Habitat

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.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Asteraceae

CR

armfibbla

Hieracium manocolum

Unknown
CR

Salmea umbratilis

Unknown
CR

spenatfibbla

Hieracium daniciforme

Unknown
CR

Mikania tristachya

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is bakkesvæve classified as Endangered?
bakkesvæve is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. 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.
Where does bakkesvæve live?
bakkesvæve occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to bakkesvæve?
The main threats to bakkesvæve are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.