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Description
Crepis Sibirica, also known as Siberian hawksbeard, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is native to Siberia, China, and Mongolia, but it has also been introduced to North America and Europe. The plant can grow up to 60 cm tall and has a basal rosette of leaves that are oblong and hairy. The stem is also hairy and produces yellow flowers that bloom from June to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Crepis |
Appearance
Siberian hawksbeard has a basal rosette of oblong leaves that are hairy and can grow up to 20 cm long. The stem is also hairy and can grow up to 60 cm tall. The yellow flowers are produced in clusters and bloom from June to August. The flowers are about 2 cm in diameter and have five petals. The plant produces seeds that are about 3 mm long and have a tuft of hairs that aid in wind dispersal.
Care Guide
Siberian hawksbeard prefers well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. The plant requires full sun to partial shade and can tolerate drought conditions. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but do not overwater. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Siberian hawksbeard is generally not affected by pests or diseases. However, the plant may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Watch for signs of wilting and yellowing leaves, which may indicate root rot. If root rot is suspected, reduce watering and improve soil drainage.
Habitat
Siberian hawksbeard is native to Siberia, China, and Mongolia, where it grows in meadows, rocky slopes, and forest edges. The plant has also been introduced to North America and Europe, where it is often found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and railways.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Siberian hawksbeard poisonous?
A: No, Siberian hawksbeard is not poisonous.
Q: Can Siberian hawksbeard be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Siberian hawksbeard can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-drained and the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.
Q: How often should I fertilize Siberian hawksbeard?
A: Fertilize Siberian hawksbeard once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Is Siberian hawksbeard a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, Siberian hawksbeard produces yellow flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
Related Plants
- Crepis Incana
- Crepis Aurea
- Crepis Tectorum
- Crepis Vesicaria
References
- “Crepis Sibirica.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b612.
- “Crepis Sibirica.” Plants of the World Online, www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:200227-1.
- “Siberian Hawksbeard.” USDA NRCS National Plant Data Team, plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CRSI.
