The flowers are orange, almost red, which is virtually invisible to bees, yet they also reflect ultraviolet light, increasing their conspicuousness to pollinators.

[13] Fox and cubs has a long history of use in the folk medicine of Europe, in which it has been used in preparations believed to benefit a variety of diseases, including respiratory infections, digestive problems, and skin conditions.

The name Grim was originally a by-name of the Germanic deity Odin/Woden, which came later to be associated, in mediaeval mystery plays with sooty devils blackened by the fires of hell.

The reason for the application of the name of this folk villain to Pilosella aurantiaca is that it has a sooty appearance due the distinctive black hairs in which the flower heads are covered.

[15] One website claims that the plant features in Celtic mythology, being believed to possess apotropaic powers employed in magical practices intended to bring good luck and ward off evil spirits.

Invasive hawkweed can replace native vegetation in open, undisturbed natural areas such as meadows, reducing forage and threatening biodiversity.

[18] In Victoria and NSW, Australia, hawkweed species are declared as "State Prohibited Weeds" and are controlled under The Bio Security Act 2015.