SafePlants

Hawksbeard (Crepis spp.)

Hawksbeard, belonging to the genus Crepis, is a widespread group of annual and perennial flowering plants.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species, like Narrowleaf Hawksbeard (Crepis tectorum), grow to a height that could make them accessible to pets.
• The plant produces flower heads reminiscent of dandelions, which may attract curious animals.

Considerations for Children

• Hawksbeard plants have flower shoots that grow in spring, which may be of interest to children.
• The presence of "hispid leaves" on some species means leaves covered in bristles, which could be irritating to touch.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Crepis
• Family: Asteraceae (also known as the daisy, composite, or sunflower family)

• Crepis occidentalis
  • Subspecies: Crepis occidentalis subsp. conjuncta
  • Subspecies: Crepis occidentalis subsp. pumila
• Crepis tectorum (Narrowleaf Hawksbeard or Narrow-leaved Hawk's-beard)
• Crepis rubra (Pink Hawksbeard)
• Crepis bakeri (Baker's Hawksbeard)
• Crepis capillaris (Smooth Hawksbeard)
• Crepis nana (Dwarf Hawksbeard)
• Crepis biennis (Rough Hawksbeard)
• Crepis Jacquinii

• Large flower hawksbeard
• Gray hawksbeard
• Western hawksbeard
• Largeflower Hawksbeard
• Large-flower hawk's-beard
• Beaked Hawksbeard
• Northern Hawksbeard
• Longleaf hawksbeard
• Tapertip hawksbeard
• Long-leafed Hawksbeard

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Narrowleaf Hawksbeard (Crepis tectorum) is an annual or winter annual that grows to 30–100 centimetres (12–39 in).
• Hawksbeard has basal rosettes from which flower shoots grow in spring.
• Flower heads are solitary and dandelion-like, 2.5 – 4 cm across.
• Leaves are 3–10 inches long, lightly covered with gray hairs and sparse yellow to black bristles, and lobed into wide-toothed segments.
• Some species have hispid leaves (covered in bristles).
• Triglav Hawksbeard is anchored in shallow scree with short, powerful roots and a relatively large inflorescence.

Distribution and Habitat

• Narrowleaf Hawksbeard (Crepis tectorum) has an original stand in Finland and prefers nutritious environments.
• Smooth Hawksbeard (Crepis capillaris) is native to Europe.
• Western Hawksbeard (Crepis occidentalis) is found in foothills.
• Triglav Hawksbeard ornaments rough scree in the Alps, including Switzerland and Italy.

Ecological Role

• Some Hawksbeard species are considered aggressive annual weeds.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Uroleucon grossum, the large hawksbeard aphid, feeds on smooth hawk's-beard (Crepis capillaris).
• Tapertip hawksbeard leaves are consumed by pre-laying sage grouse hens.