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American star-thistle
Scientific Name: Centaurea americana
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Centaurea americana: American Starthistle (Basketflower)
Considerations for Pets
- While described as lacking the "prickly characteristics" of thistles, it is important to observe your pets around this plant, especially if they tend to ingest plant material.
Considerations for Children
- While described as lacking the "prickly characteristics" of thistles, it is important to observe children around this plant, especially if they tend to ingest plant material.
Common Names
- Scientific Name: Centaurea americana
- Common Names: American Starthistle, American Basketflower, Basket Flower, Star Thistle, Shaving Brush, Powderpuff Thistle, Cardo del Valle, American Knapweed, Thornless Thistle, Golden Starthistle, Yellow Cockspur.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Centaurea americana
- Synonym: Plectocephalus americanus
- Family: Composite (Asteraceae)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the southern central United States, particularly Texas.
- Also present in North America.
Ecological Role
- Centaurea solstitialis (Yellow Starthistle), a related species, is mentioned as an invasive species in North America. Yellow Starthistle may kill desirable grasses.
Morphological Characteristics
- Resembles a spineless thistle.
- Centaurea solstitialis (Yellow Starthistle) is described as an annual herbaceous plant with gray-green foliage.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- American finches feed on Centaurea solstitialis (Yellow Starthistle) seeds.
Further Information
- USDA's National Invasive Species Information Center
- Discover Life
- Flora of North America
- USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
- Weeds of the West. Western Weed Science Society of America