Smooth Hawk’s-beard (Crepis capillaris) is a common flowering plant native to the UK, belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is characterised by its slender, branched stems, and small yellow flowers arranged in clusters at the ends of the stems.

Smooth Hawk’s-beard is adaptable to a wide range of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, roadsides, and waste grounds. It prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.

Nutrient-wise, Smooth Hawk’s-beard is not particularly demanding, growing well in nutrient-poor soils common in disturbed habitats.

As a plant with minimal defences, Smooth 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.

Smooth Hawk’s-beard is an annual or biennial plant, completing its lifecycle within one or two years. It reproduces by producing seeds, which are dispersed by wind or animals.

Culturally, Smooth Hawk’s-beard doesn’t hold significant historical or medicinal importance in the UK. However, it is valued for its role in supporting pollinators such as bees and butterflies, as its flowers provide a nectar source.

Interestingly, Smooth Hawk’s-beard is sometimes considered a weed in agricultural settings, particularly in pastures and grasslands where it can compete with desirable forage species. However, its ability to colonise disturbed habitats also makes it valuable in stabilising soils and preventing erosion.