Meadow Knapweed
Centaurea x gerstlaueri • Class B |
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Family Name: | Asteraceae family (ass-ter-AY-see-ee) | |
Common: | Aster, daisy, or sunflower family | |
Genus: |
Centaurea (sen-TAR-ee-uh) Meaning: Latin, referring to the Centaur Chiron who discovered the medicinal use of the Centaury plant |
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Species: |
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Description: |
Meadow knapweed is a perennial plant with multiple upright, reddish stems growing 20 to 40” tall. Leaves are about 6 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide and decrease in size up the stem. Its round flowerheads are mostly pink or purple, but occasionally white, and grow at the ends of branches approximately 3/4” in diameter. Knapweed flowers have distinctive papery looking bracts at their base that are rounded, or dark and fringed, but usually have both characteristics. Seedlings are tap-rooted, mature plants develop a cluster of roots below the crown. |
Why Is it a Noxious Weed? |
Meadow knapweed aggressively outcompetes other desirable plants as well as native species. It invades pastures, hayfields, meadows, riparian areas, forest margins, and rights-of-way. Infestations result in reduced forage, wildlife habitat, and species diversity.
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Where Does it Grow? |
Meadow Knapweed invades moist sites like irrigated pastures, moist meadows, and along rivers, streams and ditches. |
Control Options: |
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More Information: |
Download our Flyer or visit Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board Here
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More Pictures: |