Pink dandelion Crepis incana
ABOUT
The plant known commonly as Crepis incana is characterized by its attractive, silver-gray foliage that forms a basal rosette. The leaves are typically narrow and oblong, appearing somewhat like a spoon in shape. These fuzzy leaves are covered in a fine layer of hairs, which gives them their distinctive silvery sheen. As for its flowers, Crepis incana produces eye-catching yellow blossoms that resemble daisies. These flowers are borne on top of leafless stems that rise elegantly above the foliage. The petals are arranged in multiple layers around a central disk, creating a cheerful and bright floral display that can add a pop of color to any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae
Synonyms
Pink Dandelion, Gray Hawksbeard, Pink Hawksbeard
Common names
Berkheya incana, Crepis cretica, Crepis incanum, Hieracioides incanum.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as hawksbeard is not typically considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented reports of poisoning or adverse effects from ingesting hawksbeard, and it does not contain known toxic compounds that would pose a risk to human health. Nonetheless, it is generally recommended that people avoid consuming plants that are not recognized as food items, as they may cause unpredictable allergic reactions or gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Hawksbeard is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets such as dogs or cats. There is no significant evidence to suggest that the ingestion of hawksbeard by pets would lead to poisoning. As with humans, while the plant is not considered poisonous, it is wise to prevent pets from eating plants not intended for their consumption, as they could experience digestive upset or an allergic reaction.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic appeal: Crepis incana, commonly known as grey hawksbeard, adds a touch of beauty to gardens with its silvery-grey foliage and bright yellow flowers.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, it has good resistance to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Pollinator attractor: The yellow flowers of grey hawksbeard attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Low maintenance: Grey hawksbeard is known for requiring minimal care once it is established, making it a good choice for busy gardeners.
- Adaptability: It is able to grow in a range of soil conditions, from sandy to clay, as long as the area is well-drained.
- Wildlife habitat: The plant can provide shelter and food for small wildlife, contributing to a healthy garden ecosystem.
- Ornamental seed heads: After blooming, the fluffy seed heads add additional visual interest to the garden, even in winter.
- Cultivation ease: It can be easily propagated by seed, making it a cost-effective plant for gardeners looking to fill larger spaces.
- Companion planting: Crepis incana can be paired with other plants in a border or rock garden, contributing to a cohesive and diverse garden design.
- Seasonal interest: With its blooms in the summer and attractive seed heads in the fall, it provides an extended period of interest throughout the growing season.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Crepis incana possesses compounds that may help to reduce inflammation.
- Healing properties: It is used in traditional medicine to promote wound healing.
- Antioxidant effects: The plant may contain antioxidants that help in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body.
- Diuretic action: It has been suggested to possess diuretic properties, which can facilitate the excretion of excess fluids from the body.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crepis incana, commonly known as grey hawksbeard, can be used as a natural dye source, providing various shades of yellow or green depending on the mordant used.
- The plant's fibrous stems can be utilized in traditional papermaking processes, giving a distinctive texture and appearance to the handmade paper.
- The young leaves of the grey hawksbeard are edible and can add a bitter tang to salads or cooked dishes.
- As a companion plant, Crepis incana's root system has been suggested to help break up heavy soils, improving soil health and structure for nearby plants.
- Gardeners may use the grey hawksbeard for ornamental purposes due to its plush, silvery foliage that offers contrasting texture in rock gardens or borders.
- The seeds of Crepis incana can be a food source for birds, helping to attract avian wildlife to gardens and outdoor spaces.
- Crepis incana's flowers produce nectar which supports pollinating insects, contributing to the local ecosystem and aiding biodiversity.
- The dried stems and seed heads can be used in floral arrangements, providing a unique and natural decorative element.
- When planted in large groups, grey hawksbeard can serve as a natural windbreak due to its dense foliage and bushy growth.
- The woolly texture of the plant can be used by certain insects as protective camouflage, indirectly acting as a haven for beneficial garden fauna.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Crepis incana is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Crepis incana is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience - Crepis incana often grows in rocky, challenging environments, symbolizing the ability to thrive in adverse conditions.
- Adaptability - This plant's hardiness represents the capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and succeed.
- Protection - With its robust habit and survival strategies, Crepis incana can symbolize protection against external hardships.
- Beauty in age - As the common name "Gray Hawksbeard" suggests, this plant can symbolize the beauty and dignity that come with aging, much like the gray tones in mature hair.
- Simplicity - The unassuming appearance of the Crepis incana, blooming with modest flowers, may be seen as a symbol of a simple and unpretentious life.
WaterThe hawk's beard (Crepis incana) prefers a moderate watering routine. It should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once a week, although this can vary depending on the climate and season. Ensure that water is applied directly to the soil rather than overhead to prevent wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the growing season, it might require approximately 1 gallon of water every week, but it's essential to reduce watering in the dormant winter months.
LightHawk's beard thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be placed in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can tolerate some shade, too much will diminish its flowering and overall vigor. Ideally, grow it in a location that enjoys morning sunlight and dappled afternoon shade to protect it from the harshest sun in hotter climates.
TemperatureHawk's beard is hardy and can handle temperatures ranging from 40 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It's ideal for it to be grown in a region where daytime temperatures average around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Though the plant can survive light frost, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit can damage or kill it. Always ensure that the temperature does not exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods to prevent stress on the plant.
PruningPruning hawk's beard is primarily done to remove spent flower stalks, which encourages further blooming. Deadheading, or cutting back the flower stems after the blooms have faded, should be regular during the blooming season. Additionally, pruning in late winter or early spring, removing dead or damaged foliage, helps maintain an attractive shape and promotes robust new growth. Prune no more than one-third of the plant at once to avoid undue stress.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPink dandelion grows best in well-draining soil with added organic matter and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A mix of loam, peat, and sand in equal parts can create the ideal growing conditions for this plant.
RepottingPink dandelion should be repotted every one to two years, or when it becomes root-bound. It's best to repot in the spring just before the growing season starts.
Humidity & MistingPink dandelion prefers average room humidity but can tolerate a wide range from relatively dry to moderately humid environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Bright, indirect light and room temperature suit Pink dandelion indoors.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, in well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCrepis incana, commonly known as Grey Hawksbeard, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in spring when conditions of moisture and temperature are appropriate. The seeds develop into seedlings, which then establish a rosette of basal leaves. As the plant matures, it develops a flowering stalk during the late spring or early summer, which bears clusters of small, daisy-like flowers that are typically pink or pale purple. After pollination, which is aided by insects such as bees, the flowers produce seeds enclosed in wind-dispersed fruits called achenes. Once the seeds disperse, the parent plant may die if it is an annual or biennial species, or if perennial it may go into a period of dormancy during the colder months. In the next suitable growing season for perennial kinds, the plant will re-emerge from the rootstock and repeat the flowering and seeding process.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Crepis incana, commonly known as Gray Hawksbeard, is by seed. Sowing can be done either in autumn or early spring, depending on the climate. For successful germination, the seeds should be sprinkled on the surface of a well-draining soil mix and lightly covered with soil. They require light to germinate, so the soil covering should be minimal. The ideal germination temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 21 degrees Celsius). The seed trays should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Seedlings will typically emerge in 2 to 3 weeks and can then be thinned out and eventually transplanted to their final growing positions once the risk of frost has passed.
