Spring brings with it many wildflowers emerging and blooming on warm, rainy and sunny days. Most dandelions have bloomed and gone to seed by now, although a few continue to remain. Another yellow flower that blooms in our yards that we often mistake for dandelions is the invasive yellow hawkweed.

Blooming on Memorial Day it produces multiple daisylike flowers on each stalk, unlike dandelions, with one flower for each stalk.

It spreads in clumps through rhizomes, underground stems and stolons, which are above-ground runners that produce new plants from the parent.

Its leaves are blackish, hairy and bristly on both sides.

Hawkweed can also appear with beautiful orange rays reaching out from a yellow disk, indicating they are from the daisy family and are found in yards, roadsides and fields. Often referred to as the “devil’s paintbrush,” they form basal roots. Its presence usually indicates that the soil is of poor quality. As a wildflower, it attracts early bees and is beneficial for our pollinators.

Another spring beauty is the yellow rocket or winter cress, from the mustard family, which can also be found along roadsides, fields and gardens.

Native to Eurasia, this biennial or short-lived perennial will reach 8-32 inches with variable foliage. Only the second year (biennial) produces long-stemmed flowers, which are branched at the top, but also smooth and ridged.

Blooming from April to June, the yellow flowers are showy in a crowded cluster, or racemes, and by now the stem will begin bowing, dropping seeds for the next generation.

With the first true leaves rounded, the more mature leaves are pinnately-lobed (leaves arranged opposite on one stem), deeply toothed and growing smaller toward the top.

Reproduction is by seeding, and if you do not want this wildflower, dig it out before flowering occurs. Perhaps enjoying this wildflower while driving by might be your preference!

A favorite of many gardeners and bees, seen along the edges of roads, is the lobed-leaved Shasta daisy.

University of Michigan indicates a preference of sunny, well-drained, moist, fertile soil, but I have noticed them blooming and thriving where the soil is dry and lacking nutrients.

A hardy plant with white rays extending from a yellow disc, deadheading will encourage continuous blooming. Aphids, powdery mildew and root rot can occur in poorly drained soil. Preventing overcrowding by dividing (and sharing with neighbors) can maintain healthy plants for years.

Many daisy cultivars from which to choose are Becky, Alaska, Snow Lady, Wirral Pride and Thomas Killan. The University of Michigan trial gardens evaluate these new plants for disease and performance, but whatever choices you make, this lovely flower enhances any garden.

Kane Shipka is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.