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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Gray Hawk's-beard (Crepis occidentalis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains

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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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