SafePlants

Hawksbeard (Crepis spp.)

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

Considerations for Pets

• Some species of Hawksbeard have been observed to grow to considerable heights, potentially making them accessible to pets.

Considerations for Children

• Hawksbeard plants produce flower heads that resemble dandelions, which may attract the attention of children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Crepis
• Family: Asteraceae (also known as the daisy, composite, or sunflower family)
• Species Examples:
  • Crepis occidentalis (western hawksbeard, large flower hawksbeard, gray hawksbeard)
    • Crepis occidentalis subsp. conjuncta
    • Crepis occidentalis subsp. pumila
  • Crepis tectorum (narrowleaf hawksbeard or narrow-leaved hawk’s-beard)
  • Crepis bakeri (Baker's hawksbeard)
  • Crepis capillaris (Smooth Hawksbeard)
  • Crepis nana (Dwarf hawksbeard)
  • Crepis rubra (Pink Hawksbeard)
  • Crepis paludosa (Marsh Hawksbeard)

Distribution and Habitat

• Hawksbeard species are widespread.
• Crepis tectorum (narrowleaf hawksbeard) was originally found in Finland in nutritious soils.
• Crepis occidentalis var. occidentalis (western hawksbeard) is found in foothills.
• Crepis rubra (Pink Hawksbeard) is found growing on roadside verges in Southern Greece.
• Crepis capillaris (Smooth Hawksbeard) is native to Europe and grows on waste ground.
• Crepis triglavensis is found in scree slopes, including those in the Alps (Switzerland, Italy).

Morphological Characteristics

• Crepis tectorum (narrowleaf hawksbeard) grows to 30–100 cm (12–39 in).
• Hawksbeard has basal rosettes from which flower shoots grow in the spring.
• Flowers resemble dandelions. Large, solitary dandelion-like flower heads, 2.5 – 4 cm across.
• Flower heads may be borne in a corymbose cluster.
• Crepis occidentalis var. occidentalis (western hawksbeard) is a low-growing plant with large flowers.
• Leaves of Crepis occidentalis var. occidentalis are similar to other hawksbeards.
• Crepis nana (Dwarf hawksbeard) has numerous bright, yellow flowers.

Ecological Role

• Tapertip hawksbeard leaves are consumed by pre-laying sage grouse hens.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Uroleucon grossum (Large hawksbeard aphid) feeds on smooth hawk's-beard (Crepis capillaris).

Quirky Facts

• Some Hawksbeard species are known as 'street flowers'.
• Some Hawksbeard are annual and flower/fruit only once in their lives.