SPOTTED KNAPWEED

C. stoebe spp. micranthos

Spotted Knapweed is a biennal or short lived perennial.  A rosette forms the 1st year and a flowering stalk elongates the 2nd year.  Leaves are long divided below, short and narrow above and covered with fine hair.  Stems are erect with wiry branches also covered with fine hair. Flowers are usually pink or purple.  Seed heads are solitary, up to 1'' across and have black tipped bracts with 5 to 7 pairs of short feathery appendages.  Seeds are brownish, 1/8" long, notched on one side of base with short bristles at the tip. It has little forage value and  spreads aggressively.

Photos and information adapted from "Weeds of the West" by Tom Whitson