SafePlants

Beaked Hawksbeard (Crepis vesicaria)

Beaked Hawksbeard (Crepis vesicaria) is a European species of flowering plant belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae). It is also known by the common names weedy hawksbeard and dandelion hawk's-beard.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is hairy and can grow up to 120cm tall.
• The middle leaves of the plant clasp the stems with pointed lobes.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Crepis vesicaria
• Common Names: Beaked Hawksbeard, Weedy Hawksbeard, Dandelion Hawk's-beard
• Family: Asteraceae
• Subspecies: Crepis vesicaria subsp. taraxacifolia

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to eastern and southern Europe.
• Naturalized in Britain.

Morphological Characteristics

• Biennial plant growing up to 0.8 meters (2ft 7in).
• Medium to tall hairy plant with branched stems.
• Dandelion-like leaves, with the lowermost leaves stalked and the middle ones clasping the stems.
• Bright yellow flowers held in loose clusters.
• Outer ray florets have an orange-red stripe on the underside.
• Generally flowers earlier than similar plants.

Ecological Role

• The main forage plant for Panurgus calcaratus at many sites.

Flowering and Fruiting

• Flowers from May to July.
• Seeds ripen from June to August.
• The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs).

Quirky Facts

• Identifying this plant can be difficult due to its similarity to other "dandelion-like flowers" such as hawkbits, hawkweeds, and other hawksbeards.
• It can flower a second time in a year.

Further Information

• Discover Life: biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Crepis vesicaria.