Crepis occidentalis is a North American species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known by the common names western hawksbeard,: 119 or largeflower hawksbeard. It is native to western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan) and the western United States (from the Pacific to the western Great Plains). Crepis occidentalis grows in many types of habitat. It is a perennial herb growing a grayish woolly branching stem to about 40 centimeters (16 inches) in height from a deep taproot. The woolly, toothed leaves are up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) long at the base of the plant. The inflorescence produces several clusters of flower heads with hairy, often glandular phyllaries and many yellow ray florets but no disc florets. The fruit is a ribbed achene with a frilly pappus at the tip. SubspeciesCrepis occidentalis subsp. conjuncta Babcock & Stebbins – California, Colorado, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming Crepis occidentalis subsp. costata (A.Gray) Babc. & Stebbins – British Columbia, Saskatchewan, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming Crepis occidentalis subsp. occidentalis – Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, New Mexico, Nevada, South Dakota, Utah, Washington., Wyoming Crepis occidentalis subsp. pumila (Rydb.) Babc. & Stebbins – British Columbia; California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington
Largeflower hawksbeard is fairly disease-resistant and typically not prone to illness. However, it can be affected by pests and diseases present in its environment. These problems are generally mild. In terms of care, the plant requires moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a neat appearance and healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Largeflower hawksbeard is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It may need more attention if grown indoors.
How to keep Crepis Occidentalis.
Light
Largeflower hawksbeard is a perennial, herbaceous species that favors sunny locations and comes from open habitats, frequently flourishing in meadows and grasslands. While it prefers full sun, it will also tolerate partial sun conditions.
Water
Largeflower hawksbeard, native to moderate climates, grows best in evenly moist soil and requires weekly watering for optimal health. While it can tolerate short dry spells, it thrives in well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging during heavy rains. As an outdoor plant, it benefits from natural rainfall patterns.
Humidity
This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.
Temperature
Largeflower hawksbeard can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but its distribution may still be restricted by particular combinations of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer conditions with sufficient rainfall or watering. Extended periods of cloudy, rainy weather, as well as prolonged high temperatures, can raise the risk of Largeflower hawksbeard dying. In winter, adequate protection from cold can boost the plant's survival rate.
Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Largeflower hawksbeard is in early spring, when it is coming out of dormancy and beginning active growth. Fertilization supplies essential nutrients for healthy development. Although Largeflower hawksbeard has fairly low fertilizer requirements, applying fertilizer annually can improve its survival and encourage better, longer-lasting blooms.
Pruning
Pruning largeflower hawksbeard from early to late spring is essential for promoting healthy growth and vibrant flowering. To do this, use clean shears to make angled cuts, removing any dead stems and spent blooms. This technique not only encourages robust growth but also enhances the plant's aesthetic appeal, ultimately improving its health and bloom production.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Crepis
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-8
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 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
- Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Summer
Other names.
Reader questions.
How should I water my Largeflower hawksbeard plant?
To water Largeflower hawksbeard, you have several options. You can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a watering can, or any other common watering tool. This plant is not picky about the type of water it receives, so rainwater, tap water, or filtered water will all work. It's generally not recommended to water this plant from overhead as it can damage the leaves and flowers and potentially cause disease. A drip irrigation system is often the best method for watering Largeflower hawksbeard as it provides even and direct watering to the soil. If you have a container-grown Largeflower hawksbeard, you can use a cup, watering can, or tap to water directly onto the soil.
What should I do if I give my Largeflower hawksbeard too much or too little water?
When your Largeflower hawksbeard lacks moisture, the solution is simple: water it more regularly. Overwatering, on the other hand, can be a serious problem if not detected early. It can cause diseases that lead to decline and death. To avoid this, choose a sunny spot with good drainage for your plant. If you overwater a potted Largeflower hawksbeard, consider changing it to a new pot with better drainage. When repotting, use loose soil and an efficient draining pot.
How often should I give water to my Largeflower hawksbeard plant?
Largeflower hawksbeard needs regular watering throughout the growing season. In spring, water this plant once a week. As the season progresses and it gets warmer, increase watering to two to three times a week. But be careful not to exceed this rate, as it can harm the plant. Also, keep the soil moist but not wet, regardless of how often you water. Watering a potted Largeflower hawksbeard is different. You'll need to water more frequently due to the soil drying out faster. Generally, water a potted plant a few times a week compared to once a week for a plant in the ground.
How much water does my Largeflower hawksbeard plant require?
Determining how much water to give to your Largeflower hawksbeard can be done in a few different ways. Some gardeners rely on their intuitive feeling of the soil to decide when to water. This method suggests watering until the top six inches of soil feels moist. Another approach is to use a specific measurement. Typically, Largeflower hawksbeard plants require about two gallons of water per week, taking into account factors like heat and soil dryness. However, it's important to be flexible with this guideline to avoid overwatering if the plant's needs are different. When growing Largeflower hawksbeard in a container, a different method is needed. In this case, you should water enough to moisten all the dry layers of soil. You can check for moisture by sticking your finger into the soil or allow a slight trickle of excess water to drain from the pot's holes.
How do I know if I am watering my Largeflower hawksbeard plant enough?
Avoiding overwatering your Largeflower hawksbeard can be a bit tricky. These plants have deep roots that should be watered weekly, but they are prone to root rot and browning if overwatered. Underwatering is less of a concern as these plants can survive without additional watering for some time. However, if you wait too long to water them, they will wilt and develop dry leaves.
How do I water my Largeflower hawksbeard at different times of the year?
As the seasons change, the water needs of your Largeflower hawksbeard will also change. During spring, watering once a week should be sufficient. However, as the summer heat arrives, you will need to increase watering to about three times per week, especially if your Largeflower hawksbeard is in a container. Containers tend to dry out faster than ground soil in warm weather. In autumn, when your Largeflower hawksbeard is still blooming, it may need less water as the temperature decreases and the sun is not as intense as it was during summer.
How do I water my Largeflower hawksbeard when it's growing?
Throughout the year, Largeflower hawksbeard goes through various growth stages, each with different water requirements. When starting as a seed, it is important to give more water, maintaining consistent soil moisture. Once the seed germinates and the plant grows above soil, slightly less water is needed. When the plant is fully mature, regular watering once a week is sufficient. During flower development, slightly more water may be necessary to support the process.
How is watering Largeflower hawksbeard different when it's inside versus outside?
There are multiple reasons why Largeflower hawksbeard prefer to grow outdoors rather than indoors. Firstly, these plants tend to grow quite tall, making them more suitable for outdoor spaces. Additionally, Largeflower hawksbeard require more sunlight than most indoor areas can provide on a daily basis. However, if you can offer a suitable indoor growing location, it is important to note that you may need to water your Largeflower hawksbeard more frequently compared to outdoor growing. Indoor environments are generally drier due to HVAC units, and the soil in containers can dry out quickly as well.
