Connecticut Plants
Spotted Knapweed
Centaurea stoebe
Spotted knapweed is one of several species of lavender-flowered knapweeds that grow in Connecticut (none of them native). Spotted knapweed is the most common; it can be distinguished by its deeply cut leaves and its wiry, much-branched stems. Spotted knapweed is an invasive plant that threatens native plant habitats. More on this topic from Invasive.org.
- Synonyms: Centaurea biebersteinii , Centaurea maculosa
- Family: aster (Asteraceae)
- Habitat: fields, roadsides, waste places
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Flower size: flowerheads 1 inch across
- Flower color: lavender
- Flowering time: June to August
- Origin: Europe
