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wig knapweed
Scientific Name: Centaurea phrygia
Family: Asteraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Wig Knapweed: A Botanical Overview
Centaurea phrygia, commonly known as Wig Knapweed, is a perennial herb belonging to the Centaurea genus.
Considerations for Pets
- While one source mentions it is "safe to feed" flowers and leaves, other sources do not specify. Exercise caution and monitor your pet if they ingest this plant.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Centaurea phrygia L.
- Common Name: Wig Knapweed
- Family: Daisy Family (Compositae), subfamily Carduoideae (formerly Aster Family – Asteraceae)
- Synonyms:
- Centaurea pseudophrygia
- Jacea phrygia
- Taxonomic Rank: Species; subspecies such as Centaurea phrygia ssp. pseudophrygia are also recognized.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Europe.
- Found in meadows, sparse woods, and logged-over areas.
Ecological Role
- Some members of the tribe containing Centaurea phrygia are considered highly invasive. The text mentions "Wig knapweed, Introduced," but does not specify where.
Morphological Characteristics
- Perennial growing form.
- Features bright pink cornflowers above tall stems in mid-summer.
- A forb/herb, which means it is a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Observed to be visited by the Painted Lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui).
Quirky Facts
- The German name for Wig Knapweed is "Percken-Flockenblume," which translates to "Wig-Flake Flower."
- One source references the plant being featured on an Estonian postage stamp.
Further Information
- University of Massachusetts Herbarium (MASS)
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden New York Metropolitan Flora Project (NYMF)
- Dave's Garden