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Diffuse Knapweed, or Centaurea Diffusa

Posted on 06.29.21 by Harney SWCD

By Tyler Goss

Diffuse Knapweed comes to us from Asia Minor and southern Russia.  It can be found throughout Oregon and Idaho as a biennial.

During the plant’s first year, a deep tap root with broad leaves is produced.  In the following year, it will grow a single stem that will branch with a flower bulb at the end.  The plant will typically grow one to two feet tall.  The bulb will blossom into a purple head, a half inch in diameter with spearhead-shaped seeds.

Diffuse Knapweed is nearly drought tolerant, establishing feverishly in overgrazed upland range sites.  It is also common on roadsides.   Biological controls are effective—high intensity grazing is recommended.

A white flower with buds against a textured background. There's a number code (5350643) at the bottom.
A small bush on a gravel path with grassy fields in the background.
A U.S. map showing the distribution of "Centaurea diffusa" with certain states highlighted in green.