IDENTIFICATION
Perennial.
Black knapweed is a dull green plant entirely covered with small,
rough hairs. Rose to purple, thistle-like blooms flower at the ends of
branches. Upright stems are branched at the top, with narrow upper leaves
and larger, lobed leaves below. Floral
bracts
have long, black fringes from a dark triangular centre which give the
appearance of a black seed head.
DAMAGE
Black knapweed can infest disturbed rangeland and reduce forage
production.
HABITAT
Black knapweed can tolerate a wide range of conditions but appears
best adapted to moist soils. It does not establish readily in healthy,
natural habitats. In British Columbia it is found in the Kootenay and
Omineca regions along roadsides and in fields.
SPREAD
People are the most common agent for spreading this weed - in hay and
on vehicle undercarriages.
