SafePlants

Hardheads: A Multifaceted Name

The term "hardheads" appears in reference to a variety of things. This page aims to clarify these diverse meanings.

Considerations for Pets

• One meaning of "hardheads" refers to *Centaurea nigra*, a flowering plant also known as black knapweed and lesser knapweed. This plant is thistle-like.

Considerations for Children

• One meaning of "hardheads" refers to *Centaurea nigra*, a flowering plant also known as black knapweed and lesser knapweed. This plant is thistle-like.

Common Knapweed (*Centaurea nigra*)

• Common Names: Hardheads, Black Knapweed, Lesser Knapweed

*Centaurea nigra* (hardheads) is a thistle-like plant found on various grasslands, from roadside verges to woodland rides, cliff tops to lawns. Erect perennial herbs growing to a height of 30 to 90 cm (mostly 45 cm). Plants leave a bitter-tasting substance on hands when handled.

Distribution and Habitat (*Centaurea nigra*)

• Native to the UK, growing on grassland.

Other Meanings of "Hardhead"

• Hardhead Duck: *Aythya australis* (also known as white-eyed duck), a diving duck native to Australia. It is common in the south-east of Australia. The Hardhead is a medium-sized duck which appears mainly chocolate brown when swimming, with a white undertail. In flight, the underwings are white, edged . Hardheads are small by duck standards, usually not much more than 45 cm long but reaching 60 cm sometimes, and noticeably more rounded in overall form.
• Hardhead Catfish: *Arius felis*, a species found in the State of Texas.
• Hardhead (Coin): An historical coin.
• Hardhead (Fish): A freshwater fish, *Mylopharodon conocephalus*, of California. Also, the Atlantic croaker, and several other fishes having a bony head.
• Hardhead Sponge: A type of sponge.
• Hardheads (Restaurant): A restaurant located in Crystal Beach, Texas.
• Hard Heads Hawaiʻi: A business located in Kahului, HI.