ExplorePlants

black knapweed

Centaurea nigra

Black knapweed is a pretty flower that has purple petals and grows in fields and meadows. It attracts butterflies and bees, making it a favorite among pollinators!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The black knapweed has striking purple or magenta thistle-like flowers, each head sitting atop a sturdy stem. Its unique feature is the dark, often fringed or scaly bracts that form a distinct blackish base directly beneath the flower.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusCentaurea
black knapweed
flowering trait badgebiennial trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgefragrant_flower trait badge
black knapweed

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Its dark flower base inspired the name 'black knapweed'!

Knapweed was once used to treat sore throats and fevers!

Some caterpillars use knapweed as their only food source!

Some say its tough stems were used to make brooms!

Special abilities

Ability

Root Anchor

Black knapweed can grow deep taproots that help it survive dry spells and poor soils.

Ability

Seed Cannon

Black knapweed has many seeds per flower head, allowing it to spread widely and colonize new areas.

Ability

Nectar Beacon

Black knapweed produces abundant nectar, attracting many insects to help it pollinate its flowers.

Measurements & details

Height
30-90 cm
Spread
30-60 cm
Flower Size
2-4 cm
Bloom Season
Summer to early autumn (July-October)
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Painted lady butterfly

Vanessa cardui

Feeds on nectar, aiding flower reproduction.

parasitizes

Knapweed rust

Puccinia calcitrapae

Fungus forms orange spots on leaves and stems.

eaten by

Domestic cattle

Bos taurus

Grazes on young leaves, less so on mature plants.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not touch plants without asking an adult, as some may not be safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is black knapweed?

30-90 cm

How wide does black knapweed spread?

30-60 cm

How big are the flowers on black knapweed?

2-4 cm

When does black knapweed bloom?

Summer to early autumn (July-October)

Is black knapweed edible?

Yes

Is black knapweed toxic?

None

What is black knapweed's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is black knapweed pollinated?

Insect

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