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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

 

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Updated 19 January 2019