Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe)
Description:
Life Cycle: biennial, reproduces by seed. In the first year a low-growing rosette of leaves is formed. Stems elongate in year 2 and produce flowers.
Habitat: pastures, fields, roadsides, rangeland
Leaves: Alternate, lobed, covered with short hairs. Basal leaves up to 6" long. Leaves are smaller near the top of flowering stems.
Stem: thin, hairy, 1-3 feet in height
Flower: Purple flowers about 3/4" across
Seeds: brown with tuft of bristles
Root: Taproot
The problem is…. a very invasive weed that can inhibit the growth of other nearby plants by producing a toxic chemical (allelopathy). Reduces forage quality for livestock or wildlife. Biological controls are available for this weed.
