Contents
Description
Crepis Pygmaea, commonly known as Pygmy Hawksbeard, is a small flowering plant native to Europe. It is a member of the Asteraceae family, which includes over 23,000 species of flowering plants. Crepis Pygmaea is an herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 10 cm in height. It has small yellow flowers that bloom from June to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Crepis |
Appearance
Crepis Pygmaea has small, lance-shaped leaves that are hairy and toothed. The leaves grow in a rosette at the base of the plant. The flowers are yellow and have five petals, and they grow in clusters at the top of the stem. The flowers are followed by small, dry fruits called achenes, which are dispersed by the wind.
Care Guide
Crepis Pygmaea prefers well-drained soil and full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can lead to weak stems and less flowers. Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Crepis Pygmaea is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Crepis Pygmaea is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap. Root rot can occur if the plant is overwatered, so it is important to ensure the soil is well-drained.
Habitat
Crepis Pygmaea is native to Europe and can be found in rocky areas, meadows, and on slopes. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, and can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Crepis Pygmaea a good plant for a rock garden?
A: Yes, Crepis Pygmaea is a great plant for a rock garden, as it prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate rocky areas.
Q: How often should I water Crepis Pygmaea?
A: Water the plant regularly, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Q: Can Crepis Pygmaea be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Crepis Pygmaea can be grown in a container as long as it has well-drained soil and receives enough sunlight.
Q: How do I propagate Crepis Pygmaea?
A: Crepis Pygmaea can be propagated by seed or by division in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Crepis aurea
- Crepis capillaris
- Crepis pulchra
- Crepis tectorum
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Crepis pygmaea. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c846
- Royal Horticultural Society. (n.d.). Crepis pygmaea. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/12692/Crepis-pygmaea/Details
- University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources. (n.d.). Pygmy hawksbeard. Retrieved from https://ucanr.edu/sites/UC_IPM/Quick_Gardener_Handbook/Pygmy_hawksbeard/
