Common Hawksbeard (Crepis capillaris)

Photo: Michael BeckerCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped

Common Hawksbeard Plant Care

Crepis capillaris (L.) Wallr.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

With its deeply divided, feathery leaves, this plant originates from Europe and Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Crepis capillaris for its delicate appearance and dainty yellow flowers that bloom in clusters, adding a touch of whimsy to any garden.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Common Hawksbeard?

Water Common Hawksbeard every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Common Hawksbeard Native To?

Native range40 countries

What Is the Common Hawksbeard?

Common Hawksbeard (Crepis capillaris) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Crepis genus. Common Hawksbeard is native to Europe. Common Hawksbeard is also known as Annual Hawksbeard, Berinia stricta, Crepis agrestis.

Common Hawksbeard displays an upright, branching perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Common Hawksbeard produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Common Hawksbeard?

Crepis capillaris requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Common Hawksbeard Need?

Common Hawksbeard thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Common Hawksbeard Prefer?

Crepis capillaris grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Common Hawksbeard prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Common Hawksbeard?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Common Hawksbeard to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Common Hawksbeard?

Feed Common Hawksbeard every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Common Hawksbeard?

Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Common Hawksbeard?

Common Hawksbeard can be propagated through seeds, division of root clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tapertip hawksbeard plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Common Hawksbeard Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Common Hawksbeard, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Common Hawksbeard?

Common Hawksbeard is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Common Hawksbeard Need?

Common Hawksbeard grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Common Hawksbeard is native to Europe.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 4a – 8b

Keep exploring plants

Common Hawksbeard is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Crepis genus — compare its care with other Crepis species on PlantoScan.

Crepis is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.

Common Hawksbeard thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Crepis Species

Other Crepis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Crepis capillaris (L.) Wallr., family Asteraceae (first published in Erster Beitrag zur Flora hercynica 1840) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Common Hawksbeard, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Michael Becker, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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