Bighead Knapweed
Photo credit: Daniel Laubhann
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Common Name: Bighead knapweed Scientific Name: Centaurea macrocephala Habitat: ornamental beds, farmland, grassland Provincial Designation: Prohibited Noxious Prohibited Noxious weeds are plant species that are designated as "prohibited noxious" in the Alberta weed regulation. Prohibited noxious weeds must be destroyed, meaning all growing parts need to be killed or the plant's reproductive mechanisms need to be rendered non-viable. |
Origin
Bighead knapweed is native to Eastern Europe and was introduced to North America as an ornamental garden plant. Its earliest confirmed sighting in North America was recorded in 1812.
Legislated Because
It out-competes grasses and other forage species, reducing food sources for wildlife and livestock.
Description
Bighead knapweed has conspicuously large, yellow flowers that are 3-8 cm wide.
The leaves are elliptic and alternately arranged. The leaves grow pointing upwards and blades of the leaves extend down along the stem creating characteristic vertical “wings” on the stem.
This knapweed grows up to 150 cm tall.
Learn more about this species:
SeeFact Sheets - Alberta Invasive Species Council
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Bighead Knapweed -
Bighead Knapweed -
Bighead Knapweed
For More Information
Weed Management
| Telephone |
In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311 |
|---|---|
| invasiveweeds@edmonton.ca |
