Crepis intermedia — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Crepis intermedia

Crepis Intermedia

Updated · 3 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Crepis intermedia is a North American species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common name limestone hawksbeard. It is native to the Pacific Northwest, Columbia Plateau, Great Plains and Southwestern regions of western North America.Crepis intermedia grows in many types of open and forested habitat. It is a perennial herb growing an erect, multibranched stem from a thick taproot, reaching up to 70 centimeters (28 inches) in height. It has woolly green herbage. The leaves are lined with triangular lobes and the lowest leaves approach 40 centimeters (16 inches) long. The inflorescence is an open array of many ligulate flower heads, each with woolly phyllaries and several yellow ray florets but no disc florets. The fruit is a narrow, ribbed achene just under a centimeter long.

A note from PlantMom

Limestone hawksbeard is fairly resistant to disease and usually does not succumb to illnesses. However, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment. These problems are typically mild. In terms of care, this plant requires moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a neat appearance and healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Limestone hawksbeard is appropriate for someone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand much care experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Crepis Intermedia.

Light

Limestone hawksbeard is a perennial herbaceous species that favors sunny locations and originates from open habitats, frequently growing in meadows and grasslands. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.

Water

Limestone hawksbeard flourishes in rocky, well-drained soils, thriving on minimal moisture due to its drought resistance. For optimal health, it should be watered weekly. This plant is ideal for outdoor settings, as it adapts well to varying rainfall. Its resilience makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens or xeriscaping projects that focus on water conservation.

Temperature

Limestone hawksbeard can tolerate a broad range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be restricted by different combinations of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer climates with sufficient rainfall or watering. Prolonged stretches of overcast, wet weather or sustained high temperatures can raise the risk of the plant dying. In winter, adequate protection from cold can improve its chances of survival.

Fertilizer

One fertilizer application in spring is typically adequate for Limestone hawksbeard, though several feedings can enhance growth. Apply fertilizer about every month to a month and a half. Fertilizing improves the leaves' appearance and function, helping maintain even color and a healthy texture. It also encourages root growth and better nutrient uptake, supporting long-term plant health.

Pruning

Limestone hawksbeard, known for its bright yellow flowers, benefits greatly from pruning in early to late spring. Effective techniques include removing spent blooms and trimming leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. This practice not only enhances the plant's vigor and appearance but also helps prevent overcrowding. For the best results, grow these plants in well-drained, limestone-rich soils.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Crepis
Family
Asteraceae
Hardiness Zone
4-8
Mature Height
61 cm
Mature Spread
20 cm to 40 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Early summer, Mid summer
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Limestone hawksbeard en Limestone hawk's-beard en Small-flower hawk's-beard en Intermediate hawksbeard en Small-flowered hawksbeard
FREQUENTLY ASKED

Reader questions.

How should I water my Limestone hawksbeard plant?

To properly water the Limestone hawksbeard, it's recommended to use filtered water at room temperature. Tap water may contain harmful particles, so filtered water is preferred. Since the Limestone hawksbeard is accustomed to warm environments, it's advisable to avoid using cold water as it can be a shock to the plant's system. Additionally, overhead watering should be avoided as it can cause issues with the foliage. Instead, it's best to simply saturate the soil with your filtered room temperature water. This helps moisten the roots and supports their growth and nutrient absorption.

What kind of sunlight does Limestone hawksbeard require?

Limestone hawksbeard requires full sun daily, with a minimum of six hours of sunlight to maintain healthy leaves, roots, and blooms. While many perennials also need six hours of sun each day, plants like the Orange Daylily or Giant Coreopsis can survive on just three hours of sunlight. However, it's important to note that these perennial flowering plants won't thrive as well in less sunny conditions compared to sunnier environments.

What should I do if I give my Limestone hawksbeard too much water or too little water?

Overwatering is a more common issue that can harm your Limestone hawksbeard. If the plant gets too much water, the stems and leaves may wilt and turn yellow. Overwatering for a long time can also cause diseases like root rot, mold, and mildew, which can kill the plant. Underwatering is less likely, as this plant can handle drought. However, if underwatering does happen, the leaves may become brittle and brown. It is important to recognize the signs of overwatering early on. Some diseases caused by overwatering, like root rot, may be irreversible if not caught in time. If you notice signs of overwatering, reduce your watering and check the soil. If the soil doesn't drain well, replace it with a loose, well-draining mixture. If your Limestone hawksbeard appears to be getting too little water, simply water more regularly until the signs improve.

Does the sun harm Limestone hawksbeard? How can we keep Limestone hawksbeard safe from the sun and heat?

In warm climates, some Perennial Flowering Plants may struggle with excessive heat and suffer from sun damage. They can wilt, dry out, or even experience growth problems if they are consistently exposed to the intense afternoon sun. However, not all plants require protection from the light afternoon sun. For those that are harmed by intense afternoon exposure, it is recommended to provide them with some shade in warmer climates. Gardeners can achieve this by planting these plants in areas that do not receive direct heat during the afternoon, such as under trees or behind bushes.

How often do I need to water my Limestone hawksbeard plant?

If your Limestone hawksbeard is in a pot, the best way to determine if it needs water is to feel the soil with your finger. If the top two to three inches are dry, it's time to water it. If you have the plant outdoors in the ground, you can use the same method to test the soil. Once the top few inches are dry, add water. In the spring and early fall, you'll likely need to water once a week, but when it's very hot, you may need to water twice a week or more. However, mature and well-established Limestone hawksbeard plants can handle drought well.

Should I keep Limestone hawksbeard out of the sun?

Certain perennial plants require ample sunlight to reach their maximum bloom. However, in warmer climates, some of these plants actually benefit from less sun. For instance, individuals residing in hotter regions might find it beneficial to shade their flowering perennials during the intense afternoon sun, especially during summer months. Although many perennial flowering plants prefer partial shade in the hottest climates, there are exceptions. Take the Giant Coreopsis, for example, as it is not bothered by excessive sun exposure. These plants can flourish even when placed in the full sun during scorching weather.

How much water does my Limestone hawksbeard plant need?

To properly water your Limestone hawksbeard, don't be afraid to give it a good amount of water. Check if the top two to three inches of soil are dry, and if so, thoroughly soak the soil. Add enough water so that it flows out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. If you don't see this excess water draining, you likely haven't watered enough. However, be careful not to let water accumulate in the soil, as this is harmful to the plant. If you notice that water is not draining properly, it could indicate poor soil drainage, which is not good for the plant. If the plant is outside, one inch of rain per week should be enough.

What happens if Limestone hawksbeard doesn't get enough sunlight?

When growing Limestone hawksbeard, insufficient sunlight can lead to noticeable signs of inadequate requirements. These signs include a decrease in the number of blooms compared to plants that receive full sun exposure. While some plants may develop dry spots on their leaves, most will still manage to bloom, although the resulting flowers will be smaller and less full.

How do I water my Limestone hawksbeard as it grows?

The water needs of the Limestone hawksbeard can vary depending on its growth stages. In the early years or after transplanting, it requires more water to support root development for future growth. As it matures, it will require less water. Additionally, during the bloom period, extra water may be needed due to the demands of flower development.

Does Limestone hawksbeard need different amounts of sunlight at different stages of its growth?

Limestone hawksbeard is a wonderful flower for gardens. To make sure it blooms beautifully, it needs at least six hours of sunlight every day. In hot weather, it's helpful to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day to keep the flowers fresh longer. For younger plants, it's important to balance sunlight exposure and avoid intense afternoon heat. On the other hand, fully mature plants need plenty of sun to continue growing properly.

How often do I need to water my Limestone hawksbeard throughout the year?

The water needs of the Limestone hawksbeard vary throughout the year. During the hot summer months, it will require the most water. Depending on how quickly the soil dries out, you may need to water it more than once a week. In contrast, during the winter, the plant enters a dormant phase and requires much less water. In fact, you may not need to water it at all during this time. However, if you choose to water it in winter, it should be done no more than once a month. Overwatering during this period increases the risk of the plant getting diseases.

How much light does Limestone hawksbeard need to make food?

Different types of flowering plants have varying requirements for sunlight. For example, limestone hawksbeard requires at least six hours of light to support their photosynthesis cycles and help their foliage and blooms grow. On the other hand, perennial plants like the Giant Coreopsis need even more sunlight, typically between eight to twelve hours a day, in order to maintain their large flowers and healthy foliage.

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