Crepis occidentalis subsp. occidentalis
(c) Jim Morefield, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Herb · Native
Crepis occidentalis subsp. occidentalis is a native California herb in the Asteraceae family, recognized by glandular hairs, many flowers per head, and widespread montane distribution.
Western hawksbeard is a California native perennial found in northern Sierra Nevada, southern Sierra Nevada, San Bernardino Mountains, and Modoc Plateau in dry rocky hillsides and sagebrush scrub at elevations of 1,000 to 2,200 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces yellow flowers in heads 10 to 30 millimeters long with 18 to 30 individual florets. Growing with slender stems 10 to 40 centimeters tall that are distinctively stalked-glandular, it has an upright, delicate form. Its leaves are 10 to 20 centimeters long, sharply dentate to pinnately lobed with glandular surfaces and deeply cut edges. The fruit develops a distinctive golden brown color, adding visual interest to the plant's appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 19 sympatric species; distinguished by glandular hairs, many flowers per head, and widespread montane distribution
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry rocky hillsides, sagebrush scrub
Elevation: 1000-2200 m
Outside California: to Canada, central United States, northern Mexico
Bloom period
Crepis occidentalis subsp. occidentalis blooms May-Jun.
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 occidentalis subsp. occidentalis native to California?
Yes. Crepis occidentalis subsp. occidentalis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Crepis occidentalis subsp. occidentalis bloom?
Crepis occidentalis subsp. occidentalis blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Crepis occidentalis subsp. occidentalis belong to?
Crepis occidentalis subsp. occidentalis is in the Asteraceae family, genus Crepis.
What habitat does Crepis occidentalis subsp. occidentalis grow in?
Crepis occidentalis subsp. occidentalis grows in dry rocky hillsides, sagebrush scrub.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.