Crepis

Crepis, commonly known as hawksbeards, belongs to the Asteraceae family. These versatile herbaceous plants are characterized by their bright yellow, dandelion-like flowers and distinctive seed heads. While primarily studied in botanical research, various species hold potential in traditional medicine for their diverse bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties.

  • Scientific name: Crepis
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Asterales and the family Asteraceae, it is classified under the genus Crepis.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Asterales WCVP
Family Asteraceae WCVP
Genus Crepis WCVP

Common Names

This plant, belonging to the genus Crepis, is known by various regional names depending on the language. In English, it is commonly referred to as hawksbeard, while in French, it is called picrite. Moving to German, the plant is known as springgurt, and in Spanish, it is called herba de san juan.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical presence across several regions within Northern Europe. It can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Its distribution extends further north to include the landscapes of Finland. Additionally, the species is documented throughout Great Britain and Ireland. Finally, its range reaches the unique volcanic terrain of Iceland.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Iceland WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as hawk's beard, consists of several functional components that are studied for their biological properties. The roots typically grow as a slender taproot system that anchors the plant firmly into the soil and serves as a storage organ for nutrients. Above the ground, the aerial parts comprise the leaves, stems, and flowering heads, which are the most visible elements of the plant and often contain the concentrated phytochemicals used in medicinal research.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aerial parts 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Crepis has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include flavonoids, sesquiterpenes.

Total chemicals
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sesquiterpenes 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Crepis has 8 reported activities identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antitumor, Antiulcer.

Total activities
8
Scientific sources
8

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antitumor 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiulcer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Digestive 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Phytotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Crepis has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include joint diseases.

Total uses
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
joint diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆