SafePlants

Askellia pygmaea / Crepis nana - Dwarf Alpine Hawksbeard

Askellia pygmaea, also known as Crepis nana, is commonly called dwarf alpine hawksbeard or low hawksbeard. It is a member of the sunflower family.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Some hawksbeard species are noted to have milky sap. Although this document does not explicitly mention any toxicity, it may be prudent to prevent ingestion of any plant parts, especially by pets and children.
• The plant is found on "steep alpine scree and talus slopes", suggesting a preference for rocky environments.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Askellia pygmaea (Ledeb.) Sennikov (accepted) / Crepis nana Richardson (synonym)
• Common Names: Dwarf alpine hawksbeard, dwarf hawksbeard, low hawksbeard
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
• Genus: Crepis
• Species: nana
• Synonyms: The text lists Askellia pygmaea as the accepted name with Crepis nana as a synonym.
• Subspecies: Crepis nana var. lyratifolia (Turczaninow) Hultén, Crepis nana ssp. clivicola Babc., Crepis nana ssp. ramosa

Distribution and Habitat

• Crepis nana is native to much of northern North America and Asia.
• It is a circumboreal arctic-alpine species.
• It grows on exposed rocky ridges.
• Specific locations mentioned include Tripoli Mountain (above Cardinal Divide), Denali National Park, and the Arctic coast of Alaska.
• Prefers steep alpine scree and talus slopes at elevations of 10,000-14,000 ft.

Morphological Characteristics

• Described as a small plant with oval, often red-tinged leaves.
• Growth habit: Forb/herb
• Duration: Perennial