Smooth Hawksbeard

Crepis capillaris

Weed Description
An erect biennial or perennial with conspicuous leaves that clasp the stem. Smooth hawksbeard is primarily a weed of pastures, hay fields, and roadsides, and is found throughout Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

Leaves
Leaves are lanceolate in outline, approximately 2 1/2 to 8 inches long, 1/2 to 3 inches wide. Leaves are usually dissected or lobed, and often have bases that clasp the stem. Basal leaves occur on petioles, stem leaves do not.

Stems
Erect, reaching 3 1/3 feet in height, without hairs, branching from the base.

Flowers
Flowers bloom in late May-early June in Virginia. Many yellow flowers occur at the ends of branches. Individual flowers are 8 to 10 mm long.

Identifying Characteristics
Erect weeds with petioled leaves at the base and leaves without petioles above. Additionally, smooth hawksbeard has lanceolate, lobed leaves that clasp the stem, which helps in the identification of this species.

Trouble identifying a weed?

For additional assistance identifying weeds, contact Dr. Kevin Braldly, State Extension Weed Scientist (bradleyke@missouri.edu).

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

Smooth Hawksbeard

Crepis capillaris

Trouble identifying a weed?