Pygmy hawksbeard (Crepis pygmaea, Sp. Pl.: 805 (1753))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 805 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Crepis

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & SW. Europe

Description

The Pygmy hawksbeard, scientifically known as Crepis pygmaea, is a fascinating member of the Asteraceae family. First described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum,” this diminutive plant boasts a rich botanical heritage.

Native to Central and Southwestern Europe, the Pygmy hawksbeard has carved out a niche within this diverse landscape. It often prefers rocky terrains and alpine meadows where it can thrive despite the challenging conditions. Its adaptability to different habitats underscores its resilience.

The plant is easily distinguished by its petite stature and distinctive flower heads, characteristic of the Asteraceae family. Despite its small size, Crepis pygmaea demands attention with its bright yellow blooms which can serve as a valuable food source for various pollinators in its native regions.

Overall, the Pygmy hawksbeard is a testament to the subtle yet profound beauty found in nature’s smallest wonders. Its presence across various European landscapes highlights the intricate balance of ecosystems where every species, no matter the size, plays a crucial role.

Common Names

Fra: crépide naine, crépis nain
Ita: radicchiella dei ghiaioni
Deu: zwerg-pippau
En: Pygmy hawksbeard, Hawk’s-beard
Ca: Crepis nana
Fr: Crépide naine, Crépis nain
De: Zwerg-Pippau
It: Radicchiella dei ghiaioni

Synonyms

• Crepis autaretica (Gand.)
• Crepis subglabrescens (Gand.)
• Lepicaune prunellifolium (Lapeyr. ex DC.)
• Crepis royi (Gand.)
• Leontodon dentatus (L.)
• Omalocline pygmaea ((L.) Rchb.f.)
• Crepis pygmaea var. mampodrensis (Losa)
• Hieracium prunellifolium (Gouan)
• Hieracium pygmaeum ((L.) Lam.)
• Omalocline prunellifolia (Cass.)
• Hieracium cordifolium (Vuk.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 5, 2019 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 26, 2020 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 25, 2011 by André ĹABETAA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2020 by dt8119 (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 5, 2019 by Emanuele Santarelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 20, 2001 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 30, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Aug 16, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2016 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2001 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2019 by Pedrocchi César (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:200184-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5403377)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Crepis pygmaea L.)

Specifications

Growth