June 11: Smoothish Hawkweed and why "hawkweed"

I'm starting to see more flowers in the Hawkweed, or Hieracium family, so-called because in ancient times, hawks were observed eating this plant. Hawkweed flowers are yellow or orange and have flat petals that are notched on the end. There are many varieties of Hawkweed. I'm pretty sure this one is Smoothish Hawkweed, since the blooms are only about 3/4" across.

Smoothish Hawkweed

In early medicine, Hawkweed was thought to be good for your eyesight, and the name is a telling reason why. Here's how the reasoning goes. Hawks eat this plant. Hawks have good eyesight. Therefore, eating this plant will give you good eyesight. This makes about as much sense as reasoning that dogs have a good sense of smell and dogs like to chew on bones, so chewing on bones will improve your sense of smell.

I didn't find any information on whether Hawkweed is edible (other than to hawks) so I wouldn't suggest trying it.-