ExplorePlants

spotted knapweed

Centaurea stoebe

Spotted knapweed is a pretty flower with purple petals and dark spots. It grows in fields and can be found in many places, making the world a little brighter!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The spotted knapweed has thistle-like purple-pink flowers that bloom atop stiff, branched stems. Look for the distinctive black-tipped bracts (leaf-like structures) beneath its flower heads, giving it a 'spotted' look and making it visually different from similar wildflowers.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusCentaurea
spotted knapweed
spotted trait badgeflowering trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgegrassland trait badge
spotted knapweed

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

It's sometimes called 'star thistle' because of its bracts!

Its taproots can dive over 6 feet deep underground!

One plant can produce over 1,000 seeds in a single year!

This plant is a 'super spreader' in many new habitats.

Special abilities

Ability

Chemical Power

Spotted knapweed releases root chemicals that stop other plants from growing, helping it claim more space and nutrients.

Ability

Deep Drinker

Its long taproot, which can reach 6 feet deep, helps it find water and nutrients others can't.

Ability

Seed Hoarder

It produces thousands of seeds that can stay viable in the soil for many years, waiting to sprout.

Measurements & details

Height
30-150 cm
Spread
30-100 cm
Flower Size
1.5-2.5 cm
Bloom Season
Summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

honey bee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar and pollen from its flowers.

pollinates

two-form bumble bee

Bombus bifarius

Visits flowers for nectar, aiding reproduction.

eaten by

lesser knapweed flower weevil

Larinus minutus

Larvae feed on seeds within the flower heads.

eaten by

banded knapweed seed head fly

Urophora quadrifasciata

Larvae develop inside seeds, reducing seed production.

Traits

Also known as

CentaureaKnapweed

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see this plant, it's best to look but not touch, as some plants can be tricky.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is spotted knapweed?

30-150 cm

How wide does spotted knapweed spread?

30-100 cm

How big are the flowers on spotted knapweed?

1.5-2.5 cm

When does spotted knapweed bloom?

Summer

Is spotted knapweed edible?

No

Is spotted knapweed toxic?

Mild

What is spotted knapweed's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is spotted knapweed pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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