SafePlants

Crepis runcinata: Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard

Crepis runcinata, commonly known as fiddleleaf hawksbeard, is a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae (Sunflower) family. Other common names include dandelion hawksbeard, meadow hawksbeard, naked stem hawksbeard, and scapose hawksbeard.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant produces a milky sap typical of many Asteraceae family members.
• It is often found in gardens.

Considerations for Children

• This plant produces a milky sap typical of many Asteraceae family members.
• It is often found in gardens.
• The plant is described as having a shrub-like development and rounded form which could be interesting to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Crepis runcinata (James) Torr. & A. Gray
• Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Psilochenia runcinata.
• Subspecies:
  • Crepis runcinata subsp. runcinata
  • Crepis runcinata subsp. hispidulosa
  • Crepis runcinata subsp. glauca
  • Crepis runcinata var. glauca (Nutt.) Boivin
  • Psilochenia runcinata subsp. glauca (Nutt.)

Distribution and Habitat

• Fiddleleaf hawksbeard is found along the Rocky Mountains throughout the United States.
• It has been observed at locations such as Red Buttes.
• El Morro National Monument contains this species.

Morphological Characteristics

• Crepis runcinata is a perennial plant growing to a height of approximately 0.6 meters (2 feet).
• It is classified as a forb/herb.
• The plant can have a shrub-like development with a rounded form.
• Stems are 1-3, erect or ascending, scapiform, branched near middles, glabrous or hispid.
• It features an open cluster of yellow, dandelion-type flower heads, each about 1 inch across, with phyllaries.

Ecological Role

• This plant is associated with wetland flora.

Traditional Uses

• The Longleaf Hawksbeard (another Crepis species) has been used by the Shoshoni as an analgesic in a poultice.
• The Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard has been used by the Meskwaki as a drug for cancer treatment.

Genetic Information

• The scientific name Psilochenia runcinata is derived from "psilochenia," meaning naked seed, and "runcinata".

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Image 1211046 is of fiddleleaf hawksbeard (Crepis runcinata) flower. It is by Dave Powell at USDA Forest Service (retired).

Resources and Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Discover Life
• NIISS (Organism species profile, habitat, control, invasion & life)