Stinking Hawksbeard: What Every Gardener Should Know About This European Import
If you’ve ever wondered about that small, yellow-flowered plant popping up in disturbed areas around Massachusetts, you might be looking at stinking hawksbeard (Crepis foetida var. foetida). Despite its rather unflattering common name, this European native has found its way to New England, though it’s not exactly what most gardeners would call a welcome addition to their landscapes.
What Is Stinking Hawksbeard?
Stinking hawksbeard is a non-native forb that belongs to the sunflower family (Asteraceae). This herbaceous plant can live as either a biennial or perennial, meaning it might stick around for two years or longer once it gets established. Like other forbs, it lacks woody stems and keeps its growing points at or below ground level, helping it survive through tough seasons.
The plant produces small, yellow composite flowers that look somewhat like miniature dandelions – a common trait among plants in the Asteraceae family. While the name suggests an unpleasant odor, the stinking part refers more to its weedy reputation than any overwhelming smell.
Where You’ll Find It
Currently documented in Massachusetts, stinking hawksbeard has established itself as a naturalized species that reproduces on its own without human intervention. This European and Mediterranean native has adapted well to disturbed soils and areas where native vegetation has been disrupted.
Should You Plant Stinking Hawksbeard?
Here’s the short answer: probably not. While stinking hawksbeard isn’t officially listed as invasive or noxious, it offers limited benefits to gardeners and wildlife compared to native alternatives. This plant typically shows up in:
- Disturbed soil areas
- Roadsides and waste areas
- Places where native plants struggle to establish
Its aesthetic appeal is minimal compared to native wildflowers, and its ecological benefits for local wildlife and pollinators are questionable when better native options exist.
Better Native Alternatives
Instead of encouraging stinking hawksbeard, consider these native Massachusetts plants that offer similar yellow flowers with much greater ecological value:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) – attracts native bees and butterflies
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) – supports numerous native pollinators
- Goldenrod species (Solidago spp.) – crucial fall nectar sources
- New England aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) – provides late-season blooms
Growing Conditions and Management
If stinking hawksbeard shows up uninvited in your garden, it’s quite adaptable to various soil conditions and seems to thrive in areas with disturbed soil. The plant is likely hardy across USDA zones 3-9, making it persistent once established.
Rather than actively cultivating it, most gardeners focus on management – either tolerating it in wild areas or removing it to make room for more desirable native species. Hand-pulling works best when the soil is moist and before the plant sets seed.
The Bottom Line
While stinking hawksbeard isn’t necessarily harmful, it’s not adding much value to your garden or local ecosystem. Your gardening efforts are better invested in native plants that support local wildlife, offer superior beauty, and contribute to your region’s natural heritage. Think of encounters with stinking hawksbeard as opportunities to learn about plant identification and perhaps motivation to establish more native alternatives in disturbed areas around your property.
Remember, every square foot of garden space is precious – why not fill it with plants that truly belong in your Massachusetts landscape?
