Crepis modocensis subsp. modocensis
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Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Crepis modocensis subsp. modocensis is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by black bristles on bracts and dark-colored fruits.
Modoc hawksbeard is a California native perennial found in the high Cascade Range and Modoc Plateau in rocky slopes at elevations of 900 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces pale yellow or white flowers in heads with distinctive black-bristled phyllaries. Growing 10 to 35 centimeters tall with slender stems that branch near the middle and are sparsely bristly, it develops an elegant, open form. Its leaves reach 10 to 20 centimeters long, contributing to the plant's delicate appearance. The fruit develops in intriguing shades of deep green, nearly black, or deep red, with a pappus 5 to 10 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 17 sympatric species; distinguished by black bristles on bracts and dark-colored fruits
Habitat and range
Habitat: Rocky slopes
Elevation: 900-2500 m
Outside California: to British Columbia, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado
Bloom period
Crepis modocensis subsp. modocensis blooms May-Jul.
How to tell it apart
vs Hypochaeris: Hypochaeris has mostly leafless stems with tiny bracts; Crepis has well-developed leaves up the stem.; vs Taraxacum: Taraxacum has all leaves basal with leafless stems; Crepis has leaves ascending the branched stem.; vs Agoseris: Agoseris has leafless flower stems from basal rosettes; Crepis has leafy branched stems.; vs Sonchus: Sonchus has clasping stem leaves with spiny margins; Crepis leaves are typically not clasping or spiny.; vs Helminthotheca: Helminthotheca has bristly leaves and bracts; Crepis typically lacks the dense bristly covering.
Frequently asked questions
Is Crepis modocensis subsp. modocensis native to California?
Yes. Crepis modocensis subsp. modocensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Crepis modocensis subsp. modocensis bloom?
Crepis modocensis subsp. modocensis blooms May-Jul.
What plant family does Crepis modocensis subsp. modocensis belong to?
Crepis modocensis subsp. modocensis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Crepis.
What habitat does Crepis modocensis subsp. modocensis grow in?
Crepis modocensis subsp. modocensis grows in Rocky slopes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.