Maintaining one branched, hairless and leafy stem during maturity, the narrowleaf hawksbeard has yellow leaves which are arranged in an alternate manner and less than 0.5 inches (13 mm) wide.

The narrowleaf hawksbeard's scientific namesake 'Crepis tectorum' originates from the Greek word krepis meaning sandal or slipper, which resembles the shape of the seed.

[7] The species is now naturalized in much of Canada, Greenland, and northern parts of the United States including Alaska.

[8] Narrowleaf hawksbeard is now commonly found in the parkland zone of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

[4] Crepis tectorum may look similar to a dandelion at this stage but will have teeth that point downward on the underside leaf margin.

The presence of the narrowleaf hawksbeard is damaging to the soil and other species of plants nearby as it generally takes over the area.

Inflorescences of Crepis tectorum are approximately ½-¾ inches wide and are hermaphrodite, having both male and female organs.