Western Hawksbeard (Crepis occidentalis)

Western Hawksbeard

Crepis occidentalis

Its daisy-like blooms paint meadows with soft gold. Herbaceous perennial wildflower; common name: western hawksbeard.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in open meadow conditions and tolerates light afternoon shade in hot climates
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry; drought-tolerant once established
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Temperature Cold hardy to subzero temperatures; tolerates moderate summer heat in temperate regions
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Basal rosette of lanceolate to oblong leaves with toothed or lobed margins; stem leaves smaller and clasping
  • Flower: Bright yellow composite daisy-like heads, 1–2 cm wide, borne in loose clusters
  • Stem: Slender, hairy green stems with branching upper portions
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Care Guide

Watering

Water regularly during active growth to support bloom production

Fertilization

Light diluted feeding once at the start of growing season. Use low-nitrogen feed to avoid leggy stem growth

Composted banana peel tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; avoid raw peels to prevent pest infestations
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage extended flowering period
  • Cut back foliage to ground level after first autumn frost to prepare for dormancy
  • Thin overcrowded clumps in early spring to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Wildflower garden component; supports pollinators including bees and butterflies