Traditional uses of Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard (Crepis runcinata)

TL;DR: Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard (Crepis runcinata) was used in Native American traditions, specifically by the Meskwaki for poultices applied to carbuncles or cancers, and by the Western Keres as an infusion for homesickness. These uses are documented in early twentieth-century ethnobotanical records, with no evidence of toxicity or palatability to humans.

Last updated: September 10, 2026

What traditional uses of Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard have been recorded?

Native American traditions recorded two main uses for Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard. The Meskwaki used a poultice of the whole plant to open up carbuncles or cancers, while the Western Keres made an infusion of young plants to drink for homesickness and lonesomeness. Both are documented in early twentieth-century sources.

Who should consider growing Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard, and who should skip it?

Growers looking for a native wildflower with moderate water needs and no recorded toxicity may find Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard a fit. It’s not palatable to humans, so skip it if you want an edible. Renters with only a balcony won’t see much benefit, and households wanting a showy ornamental may be disappointed by its modest appearance.

How did the Meskwaki use Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard?

The Meskwaki used a poultice of the whole plant to treat carbuncles or cancers, applying it directly to the affected area. This practice was recorded by Huron H. Smith in 1928 (Ethnobotany of the Meskwaki Indians, page 213). The specific preparation method wasn’t detailed, and the record does not mention how widespread the use was.

What did the Western Keres record about Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard?

Among the Western Keres, an infusion made from young Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard plants was drunk for homesickness and lonesomeness. This use was documented by George R. Swank in 1932 (The Ethnobotany of the Acoma and Laguna Indians, page 40). The tradition does not specify how the infusion was prepared or how often it was used.

Is there evidence that Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard is toxic or edible?

No toxicity has been recorded for Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard in the available ethnobotanical sources. There is also no record of it being considered palatable or edible for humans. If you’re looking for a wild green to eat, this isn’t the plant.

How do the documented traditions compare?

Here’s a side-by-side look at what the records say:

Tradition	Part Used	What Was Recorded	Source
Meskwaki	Whole plant	Poultice applied to open up carbuncle or cancer	Smith, Huron H., 1928, Ethnobotany of the Meskwaki Indians, page 213
Western Keres	Young plants	Infusion drunk for homesickness and lonesomeness	Swank, George R., 1932, The Ethnobotany of the Acoma and Laguna Indians, page 40

Where can I read more about these uses?

The two main sources for these traditional uses are Huron H. Smith’s 1928 ethnobotany of the Meskwaki and George R. Swank’s 1932 thesis on the ethnobotany of the Acoma and Laguna Indians. Both are academic works that document plant use among specific Native American tribes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the Meskwaki use Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard for?

The Meskwaki used a poultice made from the whole Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard plant to open up carbuncles or cancers, as recorded by Huron H. Smith in 1928. This use was applied topically and is one of the few documented medicinal traditions for this plant.

How did the Western Keres use Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard?

The Western Keres drank an infusion of young Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard plants for homesickness and lonesomeness, according to George R. Swank’s 1932 thesis. This is a rare example of a plant being used for emotional or psychological reasons in recorded ethnobotany.

Is Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard toxic to humans or animals?

There is no recorded toxicity for Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard in the available ethnobotanical records. It is not listed as poisonous to humans or animals, but it also is not recorded as edible or palatable.

Can you eat Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard?

Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard is not recorded as being palatable or edible for humans in any of the sources cited. If you want a wild edible, this is not the plant to choose.

What are the main sources for traditional uses of Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard?

The two main sources are Huron H. Smith’s 1928 'Ethnobotany of the Meskwaki Indians' and George R. Swank’s 1932 thesis on the ethnobotany of the Acoma and Laguna Indians. Both provide specific records of how the plant was traditionally used.

Who should consider growing Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard?

Gardeners looking for a native wildflower with moderate water needs and no recorded toxicity may consider growing Fiddleleaf Hawksbeard. It is not suitable for those seeking edible plants or renters with limited outdoor space.

Want this worked out for your own yard?

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Sources

• Smith, Huron H., 1928, Ethnobotany of the Meskwaki Indians, Bulletin of the Public Museum of the City of Milwaukee 4:175-326, page 213
• Swank, George R., 1932, The Ethnobotany of the Acoma and Laguna Indians, University of New Mexico, M.A. Thesis, page 40

Valeria and Diego are not doctors, and nothing here is medical advice. This article shares traditional and ancestral plant wisdom that was passed down through generations. It may be beneficial when applied with your own discretion, and with medical supervision as needed.

Thanks for reading, and if you ever find a plant with a story, I hope you write it down too.