Hawksbeard: The Weedy Wildflower That Divides Gardeners
If you’ve ever spotted cheerful yellow flowers that look suspiciously like tiny dandelions scattered across roadsides and vacant lots, you’ve likely encountered hawksbeard (Crepis). This widespread plant has a bit of an identity crisis—some see it as a charming wildflower, while others dismiss it as just another weed. So, should you welcome hawksbeard into your garden, or show it the door?
What Exactly Is Hawksbeard?
Hawksbeard is a forb—essentially a non-woody plant that dies back to the ground each year. Unlike shrubs or trees, it doesn’t develop thick, woody stems but instead grows as a herbaceous plant with soft, green tissue. The Crepis genus is quite the overachiever, with species that can be annual (living just one year), biennial (taking two years to complete their life cycle), or perennial (returning year after year).
What makes hawksbeard particularly interesting is its adaptability. These plants are like the ultimate survivors, thriving in disturbed soils where other plants might struggle.
Where Does Hawksbeard Call Home?
Talk about a frequent flyer! Hawksbeard has established itself across an impressive range, from the frigid territories of Alaska and Nunavut down to the sunny shores of Hawaii. You’ll find it growing in all 50 U.S. states, every Canadian province and territory, plus Greenland for good measure.
However, here’s where things get a bit murky. While hawksbeard is considered non-native in Hawaii, its native status remains undefined for most other regions. This uncertainty suggests that the Crepis genus includes both native North American species and introduced ones that have naturalized over time.
Should You Plant Hawksbeard in Your Garden?
This is where hawksbeard becomes a bit of a gardening conundrum. While it’s not classified as invasive or noxious, its weedy nature and uncertain native status make it a questionable choice for most garden settings.
The Case Against Hawksbeard
- Often considered a weed rather than an ornamental plant
- Can self-seed prolifically, potentially overwhelming other plants
- May not provide the same ecological benefits as definitively native species
- Lacks the refined appearance most gardeners seek
When Hawksbeard Might Work
That said, hawksbeard isn’t entirely without merit:
- Provides nectar for pollinators when other flowers are scarce
- Thrives in poor soils where other plants struggle
- Requires virtually no maintenance once established
- Can fill difficult spots in wild or naturalized areas
Better Native Alternatives
Rather than rolling the dice with hawksbeard, consider these native alternatives that offer similar benefits without the uncertainty:
- Native asters for late-season pollinator support
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia) for bright yellow flowers
- Wild bergamot for excellent pollinator appeal
- Native goldenrods for fall color and wildlife value
If You’re Stuck with Hawksbeard
Already have hawksbeard in your landscape? Don’t panic. While it may self-seed freely, it’s not considered a serious ecological threat in most areas. You can manage it by:
- Deadheading flowers before they set seed
- Hand-pulling unwanted plants in spring when soil is moist
- Gradually replacing it with native alternatives
- Embracing it in wild, low-maintenance areas
The Bottom Line on Hawksbeard
While hawksbeard won’t win any beauty contests or native plant awards, it’s not the villain of the plant world either. It’s simply a resilient, adaptable plant that’s made itself at home across North America. For most gardeners, though, there are better choices—native plants that offer superior ecological benefits, clearer origins, and often more attractive appearances.
If you’re looking to create a truly beneficial habitat for local wildlife while supporting your region’s natural heritage, stick with plants that are definitively native to your area. Your local pollinators, birds, and ecosystem will thank you for it!
