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alpine knapweed

Scientific Name: Centaurea transalpina

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Alpine Knapweed

This page provides information about the Alpine Knapweed, a plant with several scientific and common names.

Scientific and Common Names:

  • Scientific Name: Centaurea nigrescens, Centaurea alpestris, Centaurea transalpina, Centaurea uniflora, Centaurea scabiosa, Centaurea nigra, Centaurea stoebe, Centaurea diffusa, Centaurea macrocephala, Centaurea alpina, and Centaurea rothrockii
  • Common Names: Alpine Knapweed, Singleflower Knapweed, Tyrol Knapweed, Wocheiner Knapweed, Rothrock's Knapweed, Brown-Rayed Knapweed, Spotted Knapweed, Diffuse Knapweed, Yellow Knapweed, Mountain Knapweed, Common Knapweed.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:

  • Domain: Eukaryota
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms: Centaurea transalpina Schleich. ex DC., Centaurea dubia, Centaurea dubia ssp. vochinensis (Bernh. ex Rchb.) Hayek

Distribution and Habitat:

Alpine Knapweed is found in mountainous regions, particularly in the south-east Europe and the Alps (Bernese Alps, French Alps, Italian Alps, Swiss Alps). It can also be found in alpine meadows. In the United States, it has been documented in several states, including Virginia and Minnesota.

Ecological Role:

  • Some Knapweed varieties, such as spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) and diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa), are considered strong competitors and can be invasive.
  • Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) has been identified as a strong competitor capable of using allelopathic.

Morphological Characteristics:

  • Centaurea nigrescens is a perennial herb with erect, branched stems.
  • It typically grows to a height of 1.3-3.2 ft (0.4-1.0 m).
  • The stems can be glabrous (smooth) or somewhat long-hairy.

Interactions with Other Organisms:

  • Knapweed Broomrape parasitizes Greater Knapweed.
  • Knapweed flowers attract insects such as the Knapweed Fritillary butterfly and burnet moths.

Further Information:

  • University of Wisconsin. Wisconsin vascular plants (http://wiscinfo.doit.wisc.edu/herbarium/)
  • Discover Life's page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Centaurea transalpina - Alpine knapweed -- Discover Life.