Northern hawkweed is circumboreal in distribution. In North America, the plant can be found as far south as Colorado and Nebraska. Northern hawkweed is about 3 feet tall. Stems arise perennially from a short tough basal caudex. Stems and leaves contain milky juice.
Leaves have a few coarse teeth and stout hairs along the margins.
The flower heads form in loose terminal clusters atop nearly bare branches. Look for this plant in low, sandy spots on the prairie or in open sandy woodland. Northern hawkweed is never abundant in our area, and so its palatability to livestock is unknown. The plant has no known economic value, but some European hawkweeds are made into teas to cure bronchitis and diarrhea. A Central American hawkweed is reputed to ease pain in livestock.