Photo: JulcataiCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
False Sowthistle Plant Care
Hedypnois tectorum Huds.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Crepis tectorum, commonly referred to as 'the narrowleaf hawksbeard' or 'narrow-leaved hawk's-beard', is an annual or winter annual plant between 30 and 100 centimetres in height. Originating in Siberia before being introduced to Canada in 1890, the narrowleaf hawksbeard's is an invasive species. Maintaining one branched, hairless and leafy stem during maturity, the narrowleaf hawksbeard has yellow leaves which are arranged in an alternate manner and less than 0.5 inches (13 mm) wide.
Full sun to partial shade
At a glance
How do you care for False Sowthistle?
False Sowthistle grows best in full sun to partial shade.
What Is the False Sowthistle?
False Sowthistle (Hedypnois tectorum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Hedypnois genus. False Sowthistle is native to Siberia before being introduced to Canada in 1890, the narrowleaf hawksbeard is an invasive species. False Sowthistle is also known as Egyptian Hairyweed, Crepis angustifolia, Crepis campestris.
False Sowthistle displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . False Sowthistle produces small yellow daisy-like flowers in clusters.
What Light Does the False Sowthistle Need?
False Sowthistle thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Soil Mix Works Best for a False Sowthistle?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for False Sowthistle to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a False Sowthistle?
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 False Sowthistle?
False Sowthistle can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.
Is the False Sowthistle Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list False Sowthistle, 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 False Sowthistle?
False Sowthistle 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.
Keep exploring plants
False Sowthistle 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 Hedypnois genus (family Asteraceae) — search all Hedypnois species in the plant lookup.
False Sowthistle thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hedypnois tectorum Huds., family Asteraceae (first published in Fl. Angl. 2: 341 (1778)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list False Sowthistle, 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: Julcatai, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- 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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