Flower:

Raceme or panicle cluster of 10 to 20 yellow dandelion-like flowers on short hairy stalks at the top of the stem. Flowers are about ½ inch across with 40 to 90 yellow ray flowers (petals) with notched tips. The bracts behind the flower are densely covered in short glandular hairs.

Leaves and stem:

Leaves are mostly basal, up to 12 inches long, 1½ inches wide, with a rounded or blunt point at the tip, tapering at the base, toothless, and densely covered in hairs up to an inch long. There are a few alternately attached leaves to about the midpoint of the main stem that are much smaller. The stem is densely covered with long stiff hairs, becoming more sparsely hairy near the flowers.

Fruit:

 Dark seeds about ¼ inch long with a tuft of light brown hair to carry them off in the wind.

Notes:

An uncommon species, Minnesota is the northwestern corner of its natural range. Hairy Hawkweed does not colonize so it isn't likely to be confused with one of the weedy hawkweeds that tend to form large mono-cultures. When present, it is typically found as single plants scattered in the area. The hairs on the leaves and stem are longer than other hawkweeds.