AppearanceCentaurea stoebe ssp. micranthos is an herbaceous biennial or perennial plant that readily invades open areas. Its name is derived from the black margins of the flower bract tips which give the flower heads a spotted look. Foliage A basal rosette of deeply lobed leaves is produced the first year. Rosette leaves are deeply lobed, petiolate, and approximately 8 in. (20 cm) long. Flowering stems are 1-4 ft. (0.3-1.2 m) tall and branched. Stem leaves are alternate and may be slightly lobed or linear. Leaves become smaller and less lobed toward the apex. Flowers The small purple to pink flowers bloom in the early summer. Fruit Mature seeds are shiny black and produced in erect, slender green pods which turn pale brown when mature. The copious seeds are distributed by the wind and contaminated hay. Ecological ThreatCentaurea stoebe ssp. micranthos invades a wide variety of habitats including pastures, open forests, prairies, meadows, old fields, and disturbed areas. It displaces native vegetation and reduces the forage potential for wildlife and livestock. It is native to Europe and western Asia. It was accidentally introduced into North America in contaminated alfalfa and clover seed in the late 1800s.

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Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org

Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California - Davis, Bugwood.org

Norman E. Rees, USDA Agricultural Research Service - Retired, Bugwood.org

John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Bugwood.org

Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org

Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org

John Cardina, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Ken Chamberlain, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org

Barry Rice, sarracenia.com, Bugwood.org

John M. Randall, The Nature Conservancy, Bugwood.org

Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California - Davis, Bugwood.org