Centaurea maculosa
Spotted Knapweed
Centaurea maculosa, the spotted knapweed, is a species of Centaurea native to eastern Europe. This short-lived perennial usually has a stout taproot, pubescent stems with wooly or cobwebby hairs when young. The erect or ascending plant stems can reach 20-150 cm in height. Spotted knapweed grows on stream banks, pond shorelines, sand prairies, old fields and pastures, roadsides, and along railroads, and many open, disturbed areas. Spotted knapweed is considered an invasive species in countries like the United States and Canada. It is a pioneer species found in recently disturbed sites or openings. Once it has been established in a disturbed area, it will continue to spread into the surrounding habitat.
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Full sun to partial shade
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Occasional watering
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Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)
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All soil conditions
Common name
Spotted Knapweed
Latin name
Centaurea maculosa
type
Perennial
family
Asteraceae
ph
6.0 - 8.0 Acid - Neutral
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Light
Full sun to partial shade
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Frost
Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)
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Soil
All soil conditions
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Water
Occasional watering
Plant & bloom calendar
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Best time to plant
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When the plant will bloom
full grown dimensions
1.50 M
1.50 M
Centaurea maculosa
Centaurea maculosa, the spotted knapweed, is a species of Centaurea native to eastern Europe. This short-lived perennial usually has a stout taproot, pubescent stems with wooly or cobwebby hairs when young. The erect or ascending plant stems can reach 20-150 cm in height. Spotted knapweed grows on stream banks, pond shorelines, sand prairies, old fields and pastures, roadsides, and along railroads, and many open, disturbed areas. Spotted knapweed is considered an invasive species in countries like the United States and Canada. It is a pioneer species found in recently disturbed sites or openings. Once it has been established in a disturbed area, it will continue to spread into the surrounding habitat.
Plant in Beds
From Early Spring TO Late Spring
Plant within contained areas where they will not disturb the growth of other plants. Seeds can be buried an inch below the soil surface. Water occasionally until established.
Summer Blooms
From Late Spring TO Late Summer
Flowers emerge each year during the summertime months. Blooms will be purple, later transforming into a white seedhead much like a dandelion.