Beaked hawk's-beard (Crepis vesicaria)
Care, watering, light and tips for Beaked hawk's-beard on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 3 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
About Beaked hawk's-beard
Crepis vesicaria, commonly known as Beaked Hawk's-beard, is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, characterized by its basal rosettes of lobed leaves and branched stems topped with yellow, dandelion-like flower heads. It is a common wild species found in meadows, roadsides, and waste ground, adding a rustic and natural touch to country-style or naturalized gardens. Its cheerful bloom and ability to colonize spaces make it interesting for low-maintenance areas.
Native range
Mediterranean region of Europe and North Africa
Care tips
This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to a wide range of soils, though it prefers well-drained ones. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out slightly between waterings, as it is drought-tolerant once established. A common mistake is overwatering, which can lead to root rot in heavy soils. It does not require regular fertilization and readily self-seeds, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens.
How to save a dying Beaked hawk's-beard
- Warning signs
- Yellowish or wilted leaves, soft or blackened stems. Roots looking slimy or smelling bad.
- First aid
- Remove plant from pot, inspect roots. Prune damaged parts. Replant in fresh, well-draining soil.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is fatal; its roots don't tolerate waterlogging. Also lack of light or very poor soil.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots aren't completely rotted. Act fast and improve drainage and location.