How much sun does Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard need?

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

When does Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard bloom?

Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard blooms in June, July, and August.

What pollinators does Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard attract?

Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard draws bees and flies.

Is Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard HOA-friendly?

Narrow-leaf 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.

Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Crepis tectorum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard (Crepis tectorum) 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.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Pollinators

bees, flies

Native alternatives to Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard

Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Narrow-leaf hawk's-beard is a small annual wildflower with bright yellow dandelion-like blooms that appear throughout the summer months. This compact plant forms neat clumps with narrow leaves and requires minimal water once established. It completes its lifecycle in one season, self-seeding for the following year.

In an HOA neighborhood

Narrow-leaf 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.

Strongly resembles dandelions which are considered weeds
Annual lifecycle means patchy appearance as plants die
Common name includes 'weed' which raises HOA concerns

Wildlife value

The cheerful yellow flowers attract native bees and beneficial flies during the peak summer blooming period. As an annual, it provides seasonal nectar resources when many other plants may be stressed by summer heat.

Common questions

How much sun does Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard need?: Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard bloom?: Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard blooms in June, July, and August.
What pollinators does Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard attract?: Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard draws bees and flies.
Is Narrow-leaf Hawk's-beard HOA-friendly?: Narrow-leaf 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.

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

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Ready to grow Narrow-leaf 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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