Crepis rubra – Hawk’s Beard –

Description

Crepis – Hawk’s Beard – There are about 200 species of annuals and perennials, in this genus. They occur in dry grassland, on stony slopes, and among mountain screes and rocks throughout the Northern Hemisphere. Although some species are persistent weeds, others are grown for their dandelion like flowers, borne singly or in simple or compound, many flowered racemes, corymbs, or panicles. They have one or several, mainly branched stems,, and usually produce flattened, basal rosettes of smooth edged to pinnatifid leaves. These species grown as ornamental plants are suitable for a large rock garden. Grow in any well drained soil in full sun. Prone to powdery mildew and rust. C. rubra – This rosette forming annual or short lived perennial from the Balkans, Southern Italy and Greece grows 12-16″ tall and 6″ wide. It produces mostly basal, inversely lance shaped, toothed, slightly puckered and hairy, pale green leaves, to 6″ long. From spring to summer it bears pinkish red flowers, to 1″ across are carried singly or in pairs, atop of stiff, slightly arching stems. Zones 5-7