Bearded Creeper - Crupina vulgaris

Based on its Mediterranean origins and close relationship with other highly invasive Asteraceae species, Crupina vulgaris (Bearded Creeper)was declared a Federal Noxious Weed shortly after its discovery in Idaho in 1968. Despite this expansion, no-one knew how this unlikely invader with its large seed was moving long distances or how it had escaped detection entering the country.

Distribution of Bearded Creeper

Mediterranean countries of Europe and Africa, eastern and central Europe, through Asia minor, the Middle East, to southwest Asia; also in Australia, Argentina, Zambia, United States.

Habitat of Bearded Creeper

Dry south slopes, grasslands, forested areas, pastures, roadsides. Adaptable to different climates and soil types.

General information on Bearded Creeper

Crupina vulgaris is a winter annual herb, up to 1 m tall. Because this species is unpalatable to cattle, it forms dense stands in disturbed rangelands, reducing forage area. It apparently does not, however, grow in cultivated fields. The achenes are spread by livestock, birds and water.