How much sun does Gray Hawk's-beard need?

Gray Hawk's-beard grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Gray Hawk's-beard bloom?

Gray Hawk's-beard blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Gray Hawk's-beard native?

Gray Hawk's-beard (Crepis occidentalis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Gray Hawk's-beard toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Gray Hawk's-beard as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Gray Hawk's-beard attract?

Gray Hawk's-beard draws bees and beetles.

Is Gray Hawk's-beard HOA-friendly?

Gray Hawk's-beard takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Gray Hawk's-beard

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Crepis occidentalis

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Gray Hawk's-beard as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range

Gray hawk's-beard is a compact annual wildflower that produces cheerful yellow daisy-like blooms from late spring through summer. This drought-tolerant native grows in small clumps and thrives in sunny, well-drained locations with minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Gray Hawk's-beard takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Annual growth creates gaps in plantings
Common name includes 'weed' which raises HOA concerns
Can appear scraggly or informal compared to traditional landscaping

Wildlife value

The bright yellow flowers attract native bees and beneficial beetles during the long blooming season from May through July.

Common questions

How much sun does Gray Hawk's-beard need?: Gray Hawk's-beard grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Gray Hawk's-beard bloom?: Gray Hawk's-beard blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Gray Hawk's-beard native?: Gray Hawk's-beard (Crepis occidentalis) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 8 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Gray Hawk's-beard toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Gray Hawk's-beard as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Gray Hawk's-beard attract?: Gray Hawk's-beard draws bees and beetles.
Is Gray Hawk's-beard HOA-friendly?: Gray Hawk's-beard takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Gray Hawk's-beard? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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