Meadow Hawksbeard

crepis mollis

Also known as: ["Meadow Hawksbeard"]

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Crepis Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, known for its bright yellow flowers and soft, hairy leaves.

Benefits & Perks

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

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, meadows, or open woodland edges
  • Suitable For:
    Wildlife Supporters Outdoor Landscapers
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter direct sun; avoid dark corners.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.

Soil

well-drained, sandy loam with moderate organic content

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

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid compacted soil; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F); thrives in cooler climates; sensitive to extreme heat.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from drafts; maintain consistent room temperature.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Apply fertilizer after watering; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing in dormant periods.

Propagation

Methods

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

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a healthy cutting.
  2. Apply rooting hormone if using.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist and warm.

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

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster root development.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth typically appears within 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain humidity around cuttings.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut just above a leaf node or bud.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or diseased parts.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

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

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before the active growing season begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider) than the current one.

Method

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

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil refresh.

Checklist

Select appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or bud drop in response to stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, or lead to frost damage in freezing conditions.

Solution: Protect from frost; move indoors in cold weather; provide a warm, sheltered location.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; growth may slow due to heat stress.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Crepis mollis may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting photosynthesis and overall plant health.

Wilting in Crepis mollis can result from water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, leading to impaired nutrient uptake and potential plant death.

Leaf spots on Crepis mollis may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and potential defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Crepis mollis is often caused by excessive moisture, leading to decay and loss of structural integrity.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Crepis mollis is not known to be toxic to cats. No adverse effects have been reported in felines after ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is best to prevent pets from consuming unfamiliar plants to avoid potential gastrointestinal upset.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Crepis mollis is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects in canines after ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your pet if they consume any part of the plant, but it is generally considered safe.
Humans
Non-toxic

Crepis mollis is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It has not been documented to cause adverse physiological effects when ingested.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is always advisable to consult with a botanist or healthcare professional before consuming any wild plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Crepis mollis toxic to pets?

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

Q: Does Crepis mollis attract wildlife?

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

Q: What are the common problems with Crepis mollis?

A: Common issues include yellow leaves, wilting, and leaf spots.

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