SafePlants

Hawksbeard (Crepis spp.)

Hawksbeard, belonging to the genus Crepis, encompasses various annual and perennial flowering plants. Several species and subspecies are mentioned with varying characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

• Some varieties, such as narrowleaf hawksbeard (Crepis tectorum), can grow to a height of 30-100 cm (12-39 in) and have basal rosettes, which might be tempting for pets to chew on.

Considerations for Children

• Some hawksbeard varieties have flower shoots that grow in the spring from basal rosettes, which children may find interesting.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Crepis
• Family: Asteraceae (daisy, composite, or sunflower family)
• Species: Several species are mentioned, including:
  • Crepis occidentalis
  • Crepis tectorum
  • Crepis bakeri
  • Crepis capillaris
  • Crepis nana
  • Crepis rubra
• Subspecies:
  • Crepis occidentalis ssp. conjuncta
  • Crepis occidentalis ssp. pumila
  • Crepis occidentalis var. occidentalis

Common Names

• Hawksbeard
• Hawk's-beard
• Narrowleaf Hawksbeard
• Narrow-leaved Hawk's-beard
• Largeflower Hawksbeard
• Large Flower Hawksbeard
• Gray Hawksbeard
• Baker's Hawksbeard
• Pink Hawksbeard
• Longleaf Hawksbeard
• Tapertip Hawksbeard
• Long-leafed Hawksbeard
• Beaked Hawksbeard
• Northern Hawksbeard
• Stinking Hawk's-beard
• Dwarf Hawksbeard

Distribution and Habitat

• Crepis capillaris (Smooth Hawksbeard) is native to Europe.
• Crepis occidentalis var. occidentalis (Western Hawksbeard) is found in foothills.
• One original stand of narrowleaf hawksbeard (Crepis tectorum) is native to Finland in nutritious soil.
• Triglav Hawksbeard is found in shallow scree in the Alps in Switzerland and Italy.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Crepis tectorum (Narrowleaf Hawksbeard) is an annual or winter annual plant that grows to 30–100 centimetres (12–39 in).
• Hawksbeard features basal rosettes from which flower shoots grow in spring.
• Flowers are dandelion-like, with large, solitary flower heads (2.5 – 4 cm across).
• Crepis biennis (Rough Hawksbeard) flowers in wild fields.
• Crepis nana (Dwarf Hawksbeard) has numerous bright yellow flowers.
• Leaves of Crepis occidentalis var. occidentalis are similar to other hawksbeards.
• Triglav Hawksbeard has a relatively large inflorescence consisting of golden yellow, linguiform flowers.

Quirky Facts

• Narrowleaf hawksbeard, Crepis tectorum, is considered a street flower in some regions.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Uroleucon grossum (Large hawksbeard aphid) feeds on Crepis capillaris (Smooth Hawksbeard).
• Tapertip hawksbeard leaves are consumed by pre-laying sage grouse hens.