🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
While not widely cultivated, young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, though they can be bitter. Historically used as a famine food. It's not typically considered a permaculture staple but can be a component of wild foraging systems or as a pioneer species in disturbed areas. No widely known medicinal uses.
Permapeople description
Narrowleaf hawksbeard is an annual or biennial plant in the family Asteraceae.
Botanical description
Crepis tectorum is an annual or biennial herb in the daisy family (Asteraceae). It typically grows to a height of 10 to 80 cm. The stem is erect, slender, and often branched, with sparse hairs or glabrous. Leaves are lanceolate to linear, often toothed or pinnately lobed, with the basal leaves forming a rosette. Flower heads are small, yellow, and numerous, arranged in loose panicles. The fruits are achenes with a pappus of white bristles. It is native to Europe and Asia and has become naturalized in North America and elsewhere. It is often found in disturbed habitats such as roadsides, fields, and waste areas.
Companion planting
No specific companion planting information is readily available. As a weed, it may compete with cultivated plants. However, it can attract beneficial insects like pollinators and predatory insects to the garden.
Propagation methods
Propagation is typically achieved through seeds. Sow seeds in spring or autumn directly in the ground or in seed trays. The plant readily self-seeds.
History and traditions
Historically, Crepis tectorum was occasionally used as a survival food during times of famine. Its use in traditional medicine is not well documented, although other Crepis species have been used for various ailments. There are not many specific cultural traditions associated with this particular species.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs typically from late spring to autumn (May to October). Seeds mature and are dispersed from summer to autumn (July to November). Sow seeds in spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). Harvesting leaves is best done in spring before flowering when they are most tender.