Crepis rubra
ABOUT
Crepis rubra, known commonly as Pink Hawksbeard or Red Hawksbeard, is a flowering plant that is notable for its vibrant rosette of foliage and daisy-like flowers. This plant features a basal arrangement of leaves that are typically green, often with a slightly ruffled or lobed edge, giving them a somewhat lacy appearance. The leaves may have a hairy texture, which can give them a soft feel to the touch. One of the most striking features of the Pink Hawksbeard is its blossoms. The flowers are borne on top of slender, leafless stems that emerge from the rosette of foliage below. Each bloom has numerous elongated petals that radiate around a central disc. The petals boast a soft to vivid pink color, sometimes with lighter or darker shades interplaying, which lends the plant its common name. The central disc of the flower, where the reproductive parts of the plant are located, is usually yellow to golden, creating a charming contrast against the pink petals. The flowers are particularly attractive to a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, which are drawn to them for their nectar and pollen. In the right conditions, Pink Hawksbeard can form a dense clump, with the foliage providing a lush groundcover punctuated by the delicate flower stalks. Despite omitting specific size measurements, the appearance of this plant can be quite striking in a garden setting, where its showy flowers and attractive foliage contribute to an overall eye-catching display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Red Hawksbeard, Pink Dandelion.
Common names
Crepis rubra
ToxicityTo humans
Crepis rubra, commonly known as the red hawksbeard, is not widely recognized for its toxicity to humans. There is limited information on the plant's toxic principles and the extent of its harmful effects. However, most species in the Crepis genus are not typically considered dangerous if ingested. Nevertheless, individual sensitivities can vary, and any ingestion of non-food plants should be approached with caution. If any parts of red hawksbeard are ingested and symptoms of poisoning appear, it is essential to seek medical advice.
To pets
Red hawksbeard is generally not known for being toxic to pets, and there is little information available that points to significant toxicity in animals. However, pet owners should always be cautious, as individual animals might have different sensitivities or reactions to plants that are benign to other pets. It's always a good practice to prevent pets from eating ornamental plants, since non-food plants can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset. If a pet shows symptoms of illness after ingesting red hawksbeard, consulting a veterinarian is advised.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Biennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Crepis rubra, commonly known as Red Hawksbeard, adds aesthetic appeal to gardens with its bright red or pink flowers.
- Pollinator attraction: It attracts beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Soil health: As part of its life cycle, Crepis rubra can help to maintain and improve soil health through natural processes.
- Diversity in plantings: Including Crepis rubra in a garden increases the plant diversity, which can create a healthier and more resilient plant community.
- Edible parts: Certain parts of the plant may be edible, although they're not widely consumed, adding an unconventional option for foraging or cuisine.
- Low maintenance: Crepis rubra generally does not require extensive care, making it a good choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, Crepis rubra can be quite drought-tolerant, making it suitable for dry or arid climates and water-conserving gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crepis rubra, commonly known as red hawksbeard, can be used as a natural dye source, imparting a range of subtle colors to fabrics.
- The petals of the red hawksbeard can be added to salads or used as a garnish, providing a splash of color and mild flavor to various dishes.
- Red hawksbeard plants can serve as a food source for various butterfly larvae, supporting the local ecosystem and promoting biodiversity.
- When dried, red hawksbeard can be incorporated into potpourri mixes due to its colorful appearance and contribution to textural variety.
- This plant can be used for educational purposes, helping students learn about pollination and the lifecycle of plants as it readily attracts pollinators.
- As a component in companion planting, red hawksbeard may be used to attract beneficial insects that prey on garden pests.
- Red hawksbeard's long flowering season makes it an ideal candidate for ornamental borders or wildflower gardens.
- The fluffy seed heads of Crepis rubra can be used artistically, for example in crafts or as a natural stuffing material for small pillows or toys.
- Being a hardy plant, red hawksbeard is often used in erosion control to stabilize soil on slopes and banks.
- The structure of red hawksbeard can be part of green roofing systems to create habitats for wildlife and improve building insulation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Crepis rubra, commonly known as Pink Hawksbeard, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pink Hawksbeard is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Attraction: The vibrant red color of the Red Hawk's Beard reflects its symbolism for attraction and magnetic appeal.
- Survival: As a plant that can thrive in challenging conditions, the Red Hawk's Beard symbolizes endurance and the ability to survive and flourish against the odds.
- Vitality: The lushness and hearty nature of the Crepis rubra embody vitality and robust health.
- Adjustment: This plant's adaptability to various environments signifies versatility and the ability to adjust to changing circumstances.
WaterPink dandelion requires regular watering to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil, especially during its active growing season in the spring and summer. It should be watered deeply once every week with approximately one to two gallons of water, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. Make sure the water penetrates the soil to reach the roots. Reduce watering to every other week or less during the dormant season in the fall and winter to prevent root rot.
LightPink dandelion thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth. If grown indoors, place it near a bright window where it can get plenty of indirect light.
TemperaturePink dandelion prefers a temperature range of 50°F to 75°F for optimal growth. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 40°F and should be protected from frost. During the hot summer months, ensure that it doesn't get exposed to temperatures exceeding 90°F.
PruningPruning pink dandelion is important to remove dead or faded flowers to encourage further blooming and to maintain plant shape. Prune in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading spent flowers regularly during the flowering season can also promote a longer blooming period.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Pink Hawk's-beard prefers a well-draining soil mix with organic matter; a good recipe could include equal parts of loam, peat, and sharp sand. Ensure the soil pH is neutral to slightly alkaline, between 6.0 and 7.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingPink Hawk's-beard plants do not require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. Repot only when the plant has outgrown its current container or every 2-3 years to refresh the soil.
Humidity & MistingPink Hawk's-beard prefers moderate humidity levels; it does not require high humidity to thrive, reflecting the plant's adaptability to outdoor conditions where it naturally grows.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to partial shade.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleCrepis rubra, also known as Pink Hawksbeard, begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in the soil, typically during the cool, moist conditions of spring. Upon germination, it develops a basal rosette of leaves at ground level, where it may undergo a period of vegetative growth before flowering. The plant will then bolt, sending up a flowering stalk that produces clusters of pink to reddish flowers, which are actually composed of many small florets typical of the Asteraceae family. After pollination, which is often facilitated by insects, the flowers develop into fruits called achenes, equipped with pappi that allow for wind dispersion. Once the seeds are dispersed, they remain dormant until conditions are suitable for the next germination cycle. The plant is typically a biennial, meaning it completes its life cycle within two years, with the first year focused on vegetative growth and the second on reproduction.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The most popular method of propagation for Crepis rubra, commonly known as the red hawksbeard, is through its seeds. Propagation is best done in spring after the threat of frost has passed. Seeds can be sown directly into a well-prepared garden bed that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-draining soil. Sow the seeds shallowly, barely covering them with soil, as they need light to germinate. Maintain a consistent moisture level until germination, which typically occurs within two to three weeks. After seedlings have developed, thin them to about 8 to 10 inches (approximately 20 to 25 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. This simple seed sowing process allows Crepis rubra to establish and bloom the following season.
