Leontodon is a genus of plants in the tribe Cichorieae within the family Asteraceae, commonly known as hawkbits.

Their English name derives from the mediaeval belief that hawks ate the plant to improve their eyesight.

Although originally only native to Eurasia and North Africa, some species have since become established in other countries, including the United States[2] and New Zealand.

[3] Recent research has shown that the genus Leontodon in the traditional delimitation is polyphyletic.

(i.e. excluding the members of the resurrected genus Scorzoneroides) is a rich source of hypocretenolides, unique guaiane type sesquiterpene lactones with a 12,5-lactone ring instead of the usual 12,6 lactone ring.