Hieracium cambricum Welsh Hawkweed RRR DD N Endemic
Originally known only from three sites, Hieracium cambricum hasn't been seen for many years outside the Great Orme where fortunately for its future it is thriving. This quite a striking member of the Hieracium genus because even when not in flower the glaucous green leaves with their dark purple/brown blotches remind you of some plants like Hostas which are cultivated for their attractive foliage. It isn't a very tall plant either. Often Hieracium species have a bright yellow composite flower on the end of a long stalk with a rosette at the base but this plant is more compact and aesthetically better proportioned.
In flower amongst plenty of Helianthemum oelandicum ssp incanum (Hoary Rockrose) the occasional Orchis mascula (Early-purple Orchid) and a single Cotoneaster cambricus (Wild Cotoneaster) I was reminded what a special botanical place this lump of limestone really is.
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Great Orme, North Wales 8th May 2008
Added on 8th May 2008, updated 6th April 2009, updated 7th April 2010