Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe)
Description:
Life Cycle: biennial, reproduces by seed. In the first year a low-growing rosette of leaves is formed.
Habitat: pastures, fields, roadsides, rangeland
Leaves: Alternate, lobed, covered with short hairs, much reduced,smaller near the top of the plant.
Stem: thin, hairy, 1-3 feet in height
Flower: flowering stem forms in in second year. Purple flowers about 3/4" across
Seeds: brown with tuft of bristles
Root:
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.
