Russian Knapweed
Russian Knapweed, Hardheads
Acroptilon repens (L.) DC. (formerly Centaurea repens)
Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
▲ ▼ young shoots emerging from creeping roots
▲ ▼ young shoots emerging from creeping roots in spring
▲ ▼ extensive creeping root system producing new off-shoots
▲ leaves of new shoots have teeth pointed toward leaf tips
▲ ▼ dense colony of Russian Knapweed in Colorado
▲ flowering stem, showing unlobed leaves in upper stem portions
▲ flower heads showing papery-tipped bracts on base of inflorescence
▲ post-flowering plant near Prescott, AZ
▲ illustration of dark, scaly roots
Acroptilon repens (L.) DC., Russian Knapweed: (Bayer Code: CENRI; US Code ACRE3)
- Creeping perennial with creeping roots that can form dense colonies
- Usually shorter than spotted knapweed
- Flowers pinkish-purple, similar to spotted knapweed
- Leaves not deeply divided--just somewhat lobed or toothed
- Bracts under inflorescence are papery
- Also found in western plains & west of Rocky Mountains
(Updated January 19, 2019)