Golden Hawkbit

crepis aurea

Also known as: ["Golden Cat's Ear","Golden Hawk's Beard"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Crepis Category: Flowers

Overview

A herbaceous perennial with bright yellow flowers, native to Europe and parts of Asia.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Crepis
Botanical Name: Crepis aurea

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or containers in sunny areas
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: low
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 2–3 months during active growth.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if needed.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day) with tolerance for partial shade in extreme heat. Adjust exposure based on seasonal intensity.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; provide afternoon shade in hot climates.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light; avoid direct sun indoors; use sheer curtains for filtered light.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in dormant periods

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

Soil

well-draining, sandy loam with moderate organic content

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use raised beds for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold but may struggle above 80°F (27°C).

Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain moderate humidity.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer

Fertilize sparingly; apply to moist soil; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in hormone (optional).
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm (70–75°F or 21–24°C), high humidity, and indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus soil.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; establish in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy parent stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape as desired; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot. Necessary to refresh soil and provide space.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust seasonally.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry before the next watering.

Pro Tip: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal growth.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter or drought. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or premature flowering in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf drop, or enter dormancy if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; move indoors if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C); avoid wet soil in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring/summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Crepis aurea can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential plant stress.

Wilting in Crepis aurea is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or root issues, which can lead to reduced nutrient uptake and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Crepis aurea can be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis, defoliation, and potential spread to other plants.

Rotting in Crepis aurea, particularly root or stem rot, is commonly caused by overwatering or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Crepis aurea is not toxic to cats. The plant does not produce compounds harmful to feline physiology.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

As with any plant, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but toxicity is not a concern.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Crepis aurea does not pose a toxic risk to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets for any unusual behavior after ingestion, though toxicity is not expected.
Humans
Non-toxic

Crepis aurea is not known to exhibit toxic effects in humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in moderate quantities.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, excessive consumption of any plant material should be avoided without proper botanical or medical consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Crepis aurea toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does Crepis aurea attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: How easy is it to care for Crepis aurea?

A: It is easy to care for, requiring low maintenance.

Quick Reference
Family: Asteraceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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