Smooth hawksbeard (Crepis capillaris)
Smooth hawksbeard (Crepis capillaris) belongs to Aster family (Asteraceae). This family is so large that it is subdivided into groups called tribes (just like American Indians). Crepis belongs to Chicory tribe. Other tribes include aster, anthemis, thistle, sunflower and senecio. The division is rather self-evident: members of the tribe look like their famous representatives: thistles, aster, etc. Chicory tribe is one of the popular ones, though they are all popular. Our beloved dandelion is member of the chicory tribe. The flowers of this tribe seem to have only ray flowers.
Smooth hawksbeard near Avenue of the Giants
Smooth hawksbeard looks like a small dandelion: it has bright soft yellow flowers that add color to the summer meadows. The leaves are also small and look like the leaves of the dandelion.
The purple salsify from the previous post also belongs to chicory tribe.
Good and interesting information and your usual good photos. Thanks for the post.
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