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Annual BiennialHerbaceous Perennial

Crepis capillaris

smooth hawk's beard

An annual or perennial native wildflower, sometimes regarded as a weed. It forms basal rosettes of toothed, lance-shaped leaves and bears loose, branched clusters of dandelion-like, bright yellow flower heads, each to approximately 1.5cm across, in summer

Other common names
smooth crepis
gwalchlys llyfn
Synonyms
Lapsana capillaris
Crepis virens
see moreCrepis virens var. diffusa
Crepis diffusa
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Crepis can be annuals or perennials, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and dandelion-like flower-heads that may be solitary or on open, branched stems

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows best in a well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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