Centaurea x moncktonii
Description
- Native to Southern Europe.
- Hybrid of black and brown knapweed.
- Perennial that reproduces by seeds.
- Flower is purple, blooms July through September.
- Bracts are brown with a thin fringe. Bracts become shiny as flower matures.
- Seed heads are rounder than those of spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe).
- Prefers disturbed and moist sites, along roadways, fields, open grasslands and pastures.
Consequences of invasion
- Foliage is coarse and not palatable to livestock.
- Outcompetes native grasses and other pasture species.
Status in the CKISS region
- Meadow knapweed is currently classified as Contain on the CKISS Annual Priority List.
- It is present in the Nakusp Invasive Plant Management Area (IPMA), where the goal is to manage current infestations and prevent this species from spreading beyond its containment area.
- If you notice this plant growing outside of its containment area, please report it!
- It has also been found with a very limited distribution in the Creston IPMA, where eradication is the goal and is feasible.
- To learn more about how CKISS classifies and manages invasive species, see our Invasive Species Priority Lists page.
Integrated pest management options
- Be PlantWise and avoid growing meadow knapweed in your garden.
- Hand pull small infestations when soil is moist.
- Repeated cultivation is effective.
- Biocontrol agent exists for this species.
- Annual monitoring is recommended