Crepis acuminata aka Longleaf Hawk's Beard

Crepis acuminata is also known as tapertip hawksbeard. It belongs to Asteraceae, the daisy family. It is native to the western and central United States. It grows in open woods, meadows, and mountain sites. Records place it from about 700 to 10,800 feet [200–3,300 metres] above sea level. Some sites have dry ground and plenty of sun. Others have moist soil in spring.

This plant stays green year-round and lives for many years. It grows fast and has an upright form. Reported garden height is about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Its spread reaches about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres]. The plant makes milky sap and yellow flower heads. The heads look like those of a dandelion. The flowers bloom in summer. Bees and other insects pollinate them. Young stems have the best documented use as food. Older growth can taste more bitter.

Grow it in full sun or light shade. It accepts sand, loam, and clay that drain well. Soil can be mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline. The plant grows in dry sites in the wild. Yet guidance for growing it favors moist soil. Moist soil in spring helps growth last into the bloom period. The source lists USDA hardiness zones 3–8. Grow new plants from seed in fall or early spring. Sow seed on top of a growing medium that drains well. Mature flower heads can also shed seed where they grow.

Its chief value in the garden is food for wildlife. The flowers feed a range of insects. Small wildlife may also eat the seeds and leaves. Bitter sap can curb grazing, but some animals still feed. The source does not flag this species as weedy. It gives no specific account of plant pests or diseases. Its small size suits spots that taller plants would crowd.

Records show use of the stems as food, raw or cooked. Peeling may help prepare them to eat. It is less clear whether people can eat the leaves. The bitter taste varies from plant to plant. The milky sap may upset sensitive stomachs. Start with a small serving, not a large portion. Do not gather plants from sprayed or polluted sites. Indigenous peoples of North America also used the plant as medicine. Past uses addressed eye complaints, breast pain, milk flow, and pain relief. These records describe past practice. They do not prove that these treatments are safe or work.