 Diffuse Knapweed
Centaurea diffusa
Family: Asteraceae
Description and Life Cycle
A biennial to short-lived perennial, spreading primarily by seed dispersed with the movement
of plant material. Stems are 60-90 cm in height with many branches. Leaves are 5-20 cm long,
hairy, and highly divided. Leaves alternate from the stem, with basal leaves forming a rosette.
Flower heads are numerous, urn shaped, and covered with small, narrow bracts ending in sharp,
rigid spines. Flowers are white or occasionally pink or purple. Seeds are black to dark brown,
3mm long, and lack a developed fringe of hairs. Diffuse knapweed contains volatile oils with
a distinctive smell and extremely bitter taste.
 British Columbia Biological Control Agents
References
Cranston, R., D. Ralph and B. Wikeem. 2005. Field guide to noxious and other selected weeds
of British Columbia. Gov. of BC. 94 p.
Powell, G. W., A. Sturko, B. Wikeem and P. Harris. 1994. Field guide to the biological
control of weeds in British Columbia. B.C. Min. For. Res. Prog.
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