(Centaurea debauxii)
Description
- Native to Southern Europe.
- Hybrid of black and brown knapweed.
- In the Sunflower family.
- Perennial that reproduces by seeds.
- Flower is purple, blooms July through September.
- Prefers disturbed and moist sites, along roadways, fields, open grasslands and pastures.
- Distribution limited to Edgewood, Needles, Nakusp, Fauquier, Whatshan.
Consequences of invasion
- May be competitive with native vegetation in rangelands.
- Foliage is coarse and touch and not palatable to livestock.
- Outcompetes grasses and other pasture species.
Integrated Pest Management Options
- Handpull small infestations when soil is moist.
- Repeated cultivation is effective.
- Biocontrol agent available.
- Annual monitoring is recommended.
More information available:
- King County Washington: www.kingcounty.gov
- Alberta Invasive Plant Council PDF