Smooth Hawksbeard

Crepis capillaris

General - Smooth Hawksbeard can be an annual or biennial. It is not normally a problem on mown lawns and turf but can occasionally be a problem during dry periods. The weed forms as a rosette type weed with a deep taproot.

Leaves - The leaves are similar to those of dandelion but are smaller in size. The leaf is narrow with deeply toothed lobes.

Flower - Smooth Hawksbeard flowers are very similar to other Dandelion like weeds such as Cats Ear and Autumn Hawkbit. The distinct yellow flowers can be seen between June and October.

Roots - Smooth Hawksbeard has a long fleshy taproot.

Habitat - This weed prefers dry, sandy, free draining soils.

Cultural Control - Physically remove individual plants by hand weeding taking care to remove the whole taproot. Maintain adequate turf vigour with a balanced fertiliser program to encourage a thick sward which will prevent the invasion of weeds.

Chemical Control - Chemicals should ideally be only used as a last resort after all other cultural methods have been exhausted. Choose a selective weed killer that contains 2,4-D and mecoprop-p or 2,4-D and dicamba or alternatively a weed killer containing fluroxypyr should be equally effective. A further application may be needed to control Smooth Hawksbeard.