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meadow knapweed
Scientific Name: Centaurea ×moncktonii
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Meadow Knapweed
Meadow Knapweed is the common name for several hybrid plants in the Centaurea genus. It is often referred to as "Hardheads" or "Black Knapweed."
Considerations for Pets and Children
- The plant can spread aggressively.
- It has upright, reddish stems.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Multiple, depending on parentage. Common variations include:
- Centaurea pratensis
- Centaurea × moncktonii
- Centaurea jacea × nigra
- Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)
- Synonyms/Alternative Names:
- Centaurea debeauxii (Aka Protean knapweed)
- Note: Meadow Knapweed is a hybrid between:
- Brownray Knapweed (Centaurea jacea L.)
- Lesser Knapweed (Centaurea nigra L.)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Europe.
- Has expanded its distribution in North America to 27 of the United States.
- Found in roadsides, sand/gravel bars, river banks, irrigated pastures, meadows, and forest openings.
Ecological Role
- Class B Noxious Weed in some regions (e.g., King County, Jefferson County).
- Aggressive invasive species that spreads into pastures and meadows.
- Outcompetes desirable forage plants and other native species.
- Unpalatable to livestock, further contributing to its spread as it displaces valuable forage.
- Threatens wildlife habitat and interferes with Christmas tree plantations.
Morphological Characteristics
- Perennial plant growing from a woody crown.
- Multiple upright, reddish stems growing 20 to 40 inches tall.
- Stems branch about halfway up.
- Leaves are about 6 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. Leaves near base are slender.
- Single flowers are located at the tips of the stems.
- Flowers are mostly pink/purple but occasionally white.
- Deep-rooted.
Quirky Facts
- Meadow Knapweed was originally introduced as a potential forage crop before its invasive nature was recognized.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- A favorite of pollinating insects.
Further Information
- USDA's National Invasive Species Information Center
- Bugwood.org (image resource)
- Field Guide for Managing Diffuse, Meadow, Spotted, and Squarrose Knapweeds in the Southwest. Forest Service. September 2014. Southwestern Region.