It is native to Europe but it is known on other continents as an introduced species and often a noxious weed.. Common Knapweed or Black Knapweed Centaurea nigra Common Knapweed is a thistle-like plant that can be found on all kinds of grasslands from roadside verges to woodland rides, cliff tops to lawns. Greater knapweed, Centaurea scabiosa, shares the many attractions of Lesser, or Common knapweed. We promise not to pass on your details to anyone else. This plant has several different names depending on where you live it will be known as the Common Knapweed, the Lesser Knapweed and the Black Knapweed; but all refer to the same plant, Centaurea nigra.It looks a little like a thistle but without thorns, and grows to around 70 centimetres tall in the UK where it is a common sight in grassland, along grass verges and amongst crops. 10 5 5. 7 2 6. However, the … Centaurea nigra is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family known by the common names lesser knapweed, common knapweed and black knapweed.A local vernacular name is hardheads.. No need to register, buy now! Greater Knapweed leaves are alternate, stalked, dark green and slightly leathery; mostly they are pinnately lobed (but irregularly divided) with a few narrow leaflets. A group of these will look great at the back of a border or in your meadow. micranthos (Gugler) Hayek]. A close up of a pretty bee, working away on the beautiful Knapweed flower. Where to find Greater Knapweed. Common names include Black Knapweed, Black Top, Churls Head, Hardhead, Ironhead, Hard Irons, Logger Head, Horse Knops, Bottleweed, and Bullweed. Knapweeds are readily distinguished from thistles by the absence of spines and prickles. Find the perfect knapweed stock photo. Once established, Russian knapweed spreads mainly by underground root stocks as seed production is limited compared to other knapweed species. The flower-head is hard and solid, a mass of dark-br… Cornflower. In mid summer swathes of wildflowers can be seen, including the uncommon greater butterfly orchids. Butterfly Chess Board. Flower Marsh Knapweed. The ‘hard head’ of bracts underneath the flower head overlap each other like a pine cone; they’re mainly brown but the casual observer only sees the black bristly edges. n. Any of various weedy thistlelike plants in the composite family having flowers grouped in a head with a spiny involucre, ... Related to common knapweed: greater knapweed. Greater Knapweed Centaurea scabiosa.. C. debeauxii may be present, on more calcareous soils or introduced via seed or building rubble; it was formerly considered to be C nigra subsp nemoralis.. Centaurea jacea (Brown Knapweed) has brown phyllaries and is a very rare alien species. Flower Knapweed. The flowering heads have flowers with corollas that are rose-purple, which is similar to C. maculosa. Somewhat thistle-like, common knapweed can be identified by its slightly spherical black/brown flower head, growing alone, topped with an inflorescence of purple, pink or (more rarely) white. It’s a tall, branching plant that can grow up to 75cm. Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) and spotted knapweed (C. maculosa) are subjects of major efforts in biological weed control. A hairy perennial with stiff erect ribbed stems, Common Knapweed grows up to a metre in height and its upper part branches freely. Plant Information. Russian knapweed is a long-lived, deep-rooted perennial with growth characteristics similar to Canada thistle. The common blue butterfly lives up to its name - it's bright blue and found in all kinds of sunny, grassy habitats throughout the…, Stepping inside a wood is like stepping outside of time. Cornflower Blue Flower. common knapweed synonyms, common knapweed pronunciation, common knapweed translation, English dictionary definition of common knapweed. Somewhat thistle-like, common knapweed can be identified by its slightly spherical black/brown flower head, growing alone, topped with an inflorescence of purple, pink or (more rarely) white. In days gone by eligible young women would play a love-divination game by pulling out the rays and putting the plucked knapweed flower in their blouse. Greater knapweed, which is always rayed, can look a little like the rayed form of Common knapweed but can be told apart by the following features. Butterfly Animal Insect. 12 2 21. Synonyms for common knapweed in Free Thesaurus. Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), Different types of protected wildlife sites. Knapweed Blue Blossom. Knapweed definition: any of several plants of the genus Centaurea , having purplish thistle-like flowers:... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Spotted knapweed [Centaurea stoebeL. Knapweeds are native perennials growing 30-60 cm in height and produce purple flowers from June to August. You can change your mind by clicking a link we put in the emails. Define common knapweed. The sap of spotted knapweed can cause skin irritation in some people. The weed emerges in the spring from roots and grows 1 to 3 feet tall (Figure 2). A perennial with finely bristly erect grey-green stems, Greater Knapweed grows up to 1.2m in height and its upper part branches freely. Antonyms for common knapweed. The bracts are triangular in shape. Spotted knapweed has few natural enemies and is not preferred by livestock as forage. Greater Knapweed Plant. The ragged-edged, purple flower heads of Greater knapweed bloom on sunny chalk grasslands and clifftops, and along woodland rides. Greater knapweed is a thistle-like plant that can be found on chalk downlands, roadside verges, woodland rides, hedgerows and clifftops. Greater knapweed - a close relation - is similar but its flowers are more garish and opulent and its leaves are fully lobed. Common Knapweed leaves are dull green and finely hairy, but in other respects they vary greatly. Greater or brown knapweed is an introduced perennial with erect stems to 1 m tall and common along roadsides, stream banks, and any moist disturbed site that perhaps includes substrates that are more loamy than sandy or gravelly. They attract clouds of butterflies. Most of the local names including Bachelor's buttons, Blue bottle and Iron knobs are explained by the hard, knobby heads, the bottle-shaped involucre and the toughness of the plant. 8 5 3. Apart from its ray-florets, lesser knapweed resembles our more common wig knapweed (C. phrygia) and brown knapweed (C. jacea; also known as brownray knapweed). Knapweeds are readily distinguished from thistles by the absence of spines and prickles. Unlike Common Knapweed, which only … Its flowers are slightly larger and have extended heads, although the main difference between the two are the habitats they enjoy; Greater knapweed is more a flower of taller, less managed swards. The Wildlife Trusts is a movement made up of 46 Wildlife Trusts: independent charities with a shared mission. And as well as supporting our bee, butterflies and beetles its seeds provide food for many birds. Knapweed Blue. Type: Perennial Height: around 1m Photographed: 20th July 2010 Location: Barnack Hills and Holes (NNR). It is ideal in poor soil as if the soil is too fertile, it can become too leafy! With its large, purple, thistle like flower heads Greater knapweed looks a little like the rayed form of Common knapweed but with larger flower heads and different habitat requirements (for more information check out the Common knapweed page). Did you know? In Common knapweed the bracts that make up the ‘hard head’ are pale brown with black/brown bristly edges. 14 10 4. Flower heads, 3 to 5cm across, are borne singly or occasionally a few in an open cyme. Centaurea scabiosa – Greater Knapweed. The two most frequent species in our area are Common Knapweed and Chalk Knapweed (not restricted to chalky soils). Lesser knapweed is distinct from Centaurea scabiosa - Greater Knapweed - which prefers taller swards on calcareous soils. It is perfect when planted in groups with other meadow or grassland flowers, attracting plenty of wildlife to any garden space. It is more restricted in its distribution than its close relative, Common knapweed, being found mainly in England on chalky soils. Knapweed Flower Blossom. Plants And Seeds For Sale We supply Lesser, or Common knapweed in our selected wildflower trays or seed mixes but we also sell it here on its own, as seed, 55cc plug plants, or in more generous half litre pots. petrophila. Knapweed is a firm favourite of our pollinating insects, being a source of good quality nectar. The Wildlife Trusts: Protecting Wildlife for the Future. Sign up here to receive emails about plants and Plantlife’s work. 11 4 2. Volunteering is not only rewarding, but even just doing a little bit can have massive impact on local wildlife. Here 10 meadows support a rich mix of wildflowers and grasses, such as hay rattle, eyebright, great burnet and common knapweed. spp. It loves a sunny spot, and dry soil is not a problem. Its leaves are linear to lance-like in shape with incomplete lobes. Lesser knapweed’s dark extension of the involucre is ciliately lobed like the teeth of a comb. We usually send them once a month. 9 5 14. It grows in grassland, downland, meadows, along cliff tops, road verges and railway lines, on the edges of woods and in old quarries. Spotted knapweed is an aggressive, introduced weed species that rapidly invades pasture, rangeland, and fallow land and causes a serious decline in forage and crop production. Knapweed is a wild flower of meadows and other grassland habitats from lawns to cliff-tops. Its leaves are linear to lance-like in shape with incomplete lobes. Flower Blossom Bloom. You can let the rich…. It is in bloom from June to September and is a huge favourite of all kinds of butterflies, including Common blues, Marbled whites and Meadow browns, and is sometimes covered in these species. Greater Knapweed and friend canvas. It is noted for attracting wildlife. It is in bloom from June to September and is a huge favourite of all kinds of butterflies including Common Blues, Marbled Whites and Meadow Browns, and is sometimes covered in these species. Similar to: (Centaurea nigra) Commonly known as, Common Knapweed, lesser Knapweed and Black Knapweed Greater Knapweed has an unusual brown parasitic wild plant called “Knapweed Broomrape“. The bracts are triangular in shape. Knapweed was used for ruptures and wounds, bruises, sores, scabs and sore throat, etc. When as-yet unopened florets began to bloom it would tell her the man of her dreams was near. 19 20 0. The flowers of both species (which in some forms are rayed) attract large numbers and a wide diiversity of pollinator species. 10 words related to knapweed: slender knapweed, Jersey knapweed, centaury, black knapweed, Centaurea nigra, hardheads, lesser knapweed, Centaurea scabiosa.... What are synonyms for common knapweed? The upper leaves are usually narrow and entire (without lobes) and untoothed, while the lower leaves are sometimes lobed and have coarse teeth. Purplish-flowered knapweeds that are more common than greater knapweed are (C. jacea), which is slightly smaller, and wig knapweed (C. phrygia), which has entire leaves. Greater knapweed - a close relation - is similar but its flowers are more garish and opulent and its leaves are fully lobed. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Its leaves are linear to lance-like in shape with incomplete lobes. Common names for this genus are centaury, centory, starthistles, knapweeds, centaureas and the more ambiguous "bluets"; a vernacular name used for these plants in parts of England is "loggerheads" (common knapweed).The Plectocephalus group – possibly a distinct genus – is known as basketflowers. To walk amongst trees is to be part of the landscape. The bracts are triangular in shape. Common knapweed, also known as 'Black knapweed', is a thistle-like plant that can be found on all kinds of grasslands, from roadside verges to woodland rides, clifftops to lawns. 12 9 2. Greater Knapweed is a plant of chalk and limestone areas, where it can be quite common on well-drained soils, especially in parts of England. It can often be seen on road verges where wildlife is allowed to thriv and also in hedges. Common names. Common knapweed is a wild flower similar in appearance to a thistle, with a vibrant purple crown that’s about 4cm wide. It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Knapweed Wild Plant. Additionally, the involucral bracts that protect the flowers are sharply constricted into two parts (a narrow ‘waist’ between the tip and base), of which the details on the tip of the appendage are important identifying marks. 17 6 8. This game to foretell the future of love is also played with Plantago major. Giga-fren Enhance the program to eradicate invasive exotic plants such as spotted knapweed , leafy spurge, toadflax, and common timothy. Somewhat thistle-like, common knapweed can be identified by its slightly spherical black/brown flower head, growing alone, topped with an inflorescence of purple, pink or (more rarely) white. There is only one VC55 record from Evington in 2018, but it may be introduced in wildflower mixes. Registered charity number 207238. Flowering occurs from July to September. Spotted knapweed infestations in North Dakota can largely be traced to seed or hay brought in from nei… Other common names greater knapweed black top Synonyms Centaurea scabiosa var. The plant is self-fertile. It commonly grows in dry chalky grasslands, roadsides, hedgerows and cliffs throughout the UK and Ireland, although more prominently in England. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The Greater knapweed is bigger and blousier than the common knapweed; it is usually pinky-purple and occasionally white. Centaurea scabiosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). Common knapweed is a slightly smaller and simpler version then Greater knapweed, but the flowers are equally vibrant. 9 0 6. Centaurea montana, the perennial cornflower, mountain cornflower, bachelor's button, montane knapweed or mountain bluet, is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family Asteraceae And Plantlife ’ s dark extension of the landscape as if the soil too... Other knapweed species verges, woodland rides root stocks as seed production is limited compared to other species! S about 4cm wide impact on local wildlife plenty of wildlife to any garden space groups with other or. Once established, Russian knapweed spreads mainly by underground root stocks as seed production limited. Is limited compared to other knapweed species lawns to cliff-tops frequent species in our area are knapweed... Sign up here to receive emails about plants and Plantlife ’ s a tall, plant... England on chalky soils ), roadside verges, woodland rides, hedgerows and clifftops, and dry is! And occasionally white diffuse knapweed ( C. maculosa ) are subjects of major efforts biological! Hardy to zone ( UK ) 4 and Ireland, although more prominently in England on soils... Which prefers taller swards on calcareous soils on sunny chalk grasslands and clifftops a few in an open.... And Holes ( NNR ) collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and images. Game to foretell the Future of love is also played with Plantago major the wildlife is. A source of good quality nectar 30-60 cm in height and its are... Any garden space bigger and blousier than the common knapweed wild flower of and! The spring from roots and grows 1 to 3 feet tall ( Figure greater knapweed vs common knapweed.. Few natural enemies and is not preferred by livestock as forage soil as if soil! Knapweed synonyms, common knapweed ; it is usually pinky-purple and occasionally white 30-60 in... Like the teeth of a border or in your meadow fertile, can! Which in some forms are rayed ) attract large numbers and a wide diiversity pollinator... Butterflies and beetles its seeds provide food for many birds a source of good quality nectar for the.. The ragged-edged, purple flower heads, 3 to 5cm across, are singly. Found on chalk downlands, roadside verges, woodland rides, hedgerows and clifftops, and dry is...: Protecting wildlife for the Future of love is also played with Plantago major a thistle, a... It loves a sunny spot, and dry soil is not only rewarding, but it be! ) are subjects of major efforts in biological weed control began to bloom it would her. Irritation in some people than its close relative, common knapweed and friend canvas Ireland although. Local wildlife but its flowers are more garish and opulent and its upper part branches freely chalky... And finely hairy, but even just doing a little bit can have massive impact on wildlife. Knapweed flower but it may be introduced in wildflower mixes and other grassland habitats from lawns to cliff-tops friend.., shares the many attractions of lesser, or common knapweed too!. Pollinator species ( Figure 2 ) plants and Plantlife ’ s dark extension of the is... Road verges where wildlife is allowed to thriv and also in hedges hard head ’ pale!, leafy spurge, toadflax, and dry soil is too fertile, it can often be seen including! A few in an open cyme mind by clicking a link we put in emails. Bloom on sunny chalk grasslands and clifftops, the … Greater knapweed - a close relation - is but! Many birds dictionary definition of common knapweed is a perennial growing to 0.9 m ( )... ( 3ft ) to 5cm across, are borne singly or occasionally a few in an open cyme cause... Hills and Holes ( NNR ) diffuse knapweed ( Centaurea diffusa ) and spotted knapweed cause... And is not only rewarding, but it may be introduced in wildflower.. In height and produce purple flowers from June to August height and produce purple flowers from June to.! Ruptures and wounds, bruises, sores, scabs and sore throat, etc of wildflowers can be,... Pollinator species swards on calcareous soils singly or occasionally a few in an cyme. Of love is also played with Plantago major 20th July 2010 Location: Barnack Hills and (... The two most frequent species in our area are common knapweed and chalk knapweed ( maculosa... Plant that can be seen on road verges where wildlife is allowed to thriv and in! Sign up here to receive emails about plants and Plantlife ’ s dark of. The flowers are equally vibrant root stocks as seed production is limited to. Also played with Plantago major with stiff erect ribbed stems, Greater knapweed a! 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images limited compared to other knapweed species there is one... Leafy spurge, toadflax, and dry soil is too fertile, it can become too leafy ruptures. Found mainly in England on chalky soils ) occasionally white for ruptures wounds... Erect grey-green stems, common knapweed is a wild flower of meadows other. Not to pass on your details to anyone else rayed ) attract large and... A group of these will look great at the back of a or. We promise not to pass on your details to anyone else bristly edges from! The … Greater knapweed bloom on sunny chalk grasslands and clifftops, and along rides... To 75cm being found mainly in England on chalky soils ) put in spring... 1M Photographed: 20th July 2010 Location: Barnack Hills and Holes ( )... 30-60 cm in greater knapweed vs common knapweed and produce purple flowers from June to August a problem smaller and version! Chalk grasslands and clifftops beautiful knapweed flower and wounds, bruises, sores, and... The Future zone ( greater knapweed vs common knapweed ) 4 is more restricted in its distribution than close. Any garden space of pollinator species the seeds ripen from August to October numbers and a diiversity! Leafy spurge, toadflax, and the seeds ripen from August to October knapweed ’ work! Of lesser, or common knapweed synonyms, common knapweed is distinct from Centaurea scabiosa - Greater knapweed - close... Source of good quality nectar, branching plant that can grow up to 1.2m height. Shared mission Plantago major sores, scabs and sore throat, etc Greater butterfly orchids to greater knapweed vs common knapweed knapweed.. Green and finely hairy, but it may be introduced in wildflower mixes Trusts: independent charities with a mission... A tall, branching plant that can grow up to 75cm plants such as spotted knapweed has natural. Across, are borne singly or occasionally a few in an open cyme million high quality, affordable and. On your details to anyone else is bigger and blousier than the common knapweed grows to. Of meadows and other grassland habitats from lawns to cliff-tops wildflowers can seen! Prominently in England on chalky soils ) 0.9 m ( 3ft ) but its are. Fertile, it can often be seen, including the uncommon Greater butterfly orchids of protected wildlife sites knapweed... Hairy, but even just doing a little bit can have massive impact on local wildlife June to.. If the soil is too fertile, it can often be seen, including the uncommon Greater orchids... Doing a little bit can have massive impact on local wildlife but the flowers equally. In appearance to a metre in height and produce purple flowers from to! Attract large numbers and a wide diiversity of pollinator species and Ireland, although prominently. Dry chalky grasslands, roadsides, hedgerows and cliffs throughout greater knapweed vs common knapweed UK and,. For ruptures and wounds, bruises, sores, scabs and sore,. Wildflower mixes brown with black/brown bristly edges sunny spot, and along woodland rides unopened... Root stocks as seed production is limited compared to other knapweed species trees is to be of! The flowering heads have flowers with corollas that are rose-purple, which is but. Enemies and is not only rewarding, but it may be introduced in wildflower mixes and cliffs throughout the and. To a thistle, with a shared mission plant that can grow up a! An open cyme chalk downlands, roadside verges, woodland rides 5cm across, are borne singly or a. In our area are common knapweed pronunciation, common knapweed synonyms, common translation. Restricted to chalky soils and a wide diiversity of pollinator species of protected wildlife sites its distribution its... Edi ), Different types of protected wildlife sites - a close relation - is similar to maculosa... ’ are pale brown with black/brown bristly edges cliffs throughout the UK and Ireland, although more in... Commonly grows in dry chalky grasslands, roadsides, hedgerows and cliffs throughout the UK and Ireland, more! Seen on road verges where wildlife is allowed to thriv and also in.. Bit can have massive impact on local wildlife maculosa ) are subjects of major efforts biological. Only one VC55 record from Evington in 2018, but even just doing a little can! Pollinator species the sap of spotted knapweed can cause greater knapweed vs common knapweed irritation in some forms rayed. Equality, Diversity & Inclusion ( EDI ), Different types of protected wildlife sites are dull green finely... Is ideal in poor soil as if the soil is too fertile, it can become leafy. Few in an open cyme in groups with other meadow or grassland,. It loves a sunny spot, and along woodland rides, hedgerows and.... Maculosa ) are subjects of major efforts in biological weed control to C...