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The Narrowleaf Hawksbeard, Crepis Tectorum, is a plant that grows annually to a height of around 3 feet. It is an invasive species and during maturity it has one main stem, which is branched, hairless, and leafy. The leaves are arranged in an alternate manner and are less than 0.5 inches wide. The Greek word “krepis” means sandal or slipper which resembles the shape of the seed.

Distribution
The Crepis Tectorum occurs all throughout Canada, northern parts of the continental United States, and Alaska. It was first discovered in 1974 in Fairbanks, Alaska. The seeds are distributed by means of wind dispersion. The narrowleaf hawksbeard is found in waste areas, pastures, and roadsides.

Habitat and Ecology
The “Crepis Tectorum” is an annual weed that grows in cultivated fields and roadsides. It is very invasive so it can take over a field and lead to serious ecological impacts for the surrounding. It also thrives in dry, coarse soil. It grows with other species in the wild however, it becomes infectious if not controlled by humans. It can easily be removed by hand, although it can be controlled better by chemical means. The presence of the Narrowleaf hawksbeard is damaging to the soil and other species of plants nearby as it generally takes over the area. The temperature range for germination is between 2-4 degrees Celsius with optimum depth of 3-4 cm.

Morphology


Individuals of this species are usually approximately 3 feet tall, single stemmed, yellow colored petals on flowers, and produce 30-70 yellow ray florets.

Flowers and fruit
Images? Flowers of the “Crepis tectorum”, are approximately ½- ¾ inches wide and are hermaphrodite referring to having both male and female organs. It produces small flowers from June until September. The fruit of the Narrowleaf hawksbeard is cylindrical shaped and dark brown.