Beaked Hawk’s-beard (Crepis vesicaria) is a native perennial flowering plant in the UK, belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is characterised by its tall, slender stems, toothed leaves, and clusters of yellow flowers with prominent bracts at the base.

Beaked Hawk’s-beard thrives in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, woodland edges, and disturbed areas such as roadsides and waste grounds. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.

Nutrient-wise, Beaked Hawk’s-beard is not particularly demanding, growing well in average to nutrient-poor soils commonly found in its habitats.

As a plant with minimal defences, Beaked Hawk’s-beard may be targeted by generalist herbivores such as rabbits, deer, and insects. However, it is not a preferred food source for most animals.

Beaked Hawk’s-beard is a perennial plant, capable of regrowing from its base each year and flowering in late spring to early summer.

Culturally, Beaked Hawk’s-beard doesn’t hold significant historical or medicinal importance in the UK. However, it is appreciated for its ornamental value in naturalistic gardens and landscapes, adding bursts of yellow colour in the early summer months.

Interestingly, Beaked Hawk’s-beard is closely related to Smooth Hawk’s-beard (Crepis capillaris) but can be distinguished by the presence of beaked fruits, hence its name. These fruits contain seeds that are dispersed by wind, allowing the plant to colonise new areas.