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red star-thistle
Scientific Name: Centaurea calcitrapa
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual, Biennial, Perennial
Other Names:
Centaurea calcitrapa: Red Star-thistle and More
Centaurea calcitrapa, a member of the Asteraceae family, is known by several common names, including red star-thistle, purple starthistle, and common star thistle.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant features stout, spiny, yellowish bracts that form a star below the flowerhead, potentially posing a physical hazard.
Considerations for Children
- The plant features stout, spiny, yellowish bracts that form a star below the flowerhead, potentially posing a physical hazard.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Centaurea calcitrapa L.
- Common Names: Red star-thistle, purple starthistle, common star thistle
- Family: Asteraceae (also known as Compositae)
- Order: Asterales
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Europe and the Mediterranean region.
- Found in waysides and wastelands.
- Recorded in Sussex, England, specifically growing by the Cuckmere River near Litlington, East Sussex.
Morphological Characteristics
- Distinguished by its 8-12 very long and thin, stout, spiny, yellowish bracts forming a star below the flowerhead.
- Tiny, pale purplish rose flowers.
- Can be an annual, biennial, or perennial herb.
Ecological Role
- Reported as invasive in California (CA) and Utah (UT).
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Part of the Asteraceae family.
Further Information
- USDA's National Invasive Species.
- Discover Life.
- Wikimedia Commons.