Centaurea maculosa

Taxobox
name = "Centaurea maculosa"

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image_width = 260px
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Asterales
familia = Asteraceae
tribus = Cynareae
genus = "Centaurea"
species = "C. maculosa"
binomial = "Centaurea maculosa"
binomial_authority =

"Centaurea maculosa", the Spotted Knapweed is a species of "Centaurea" native to eastern Europe.

It has been introduced to North AmericaMauer, T., Russo, M.J., and Evans, M. (2001). [http://tncweeds.ucdavis.edu/esadocs/documnts/centmac.pdf Element stewardship abstract for "Centaurea maculosa", spotted knapweed] . The Nature Conservancy. Retrieved online: 14 July 2007.] where it is sometimes considered an invasive plant species in the Rocky Mountains. Biological pest control agents are sometimes used against this plant, including the moths "Agapeta zoegana" and "Metzneria paucipunctella", the weevils "Bangasternus fausti", "Larinus obtusus" and "Cyphocleonus achates", and the fruit fly "Chaetorellia acrolophi" .Knapweed is a pioneer species found in recently disturbed sites or openings. Once it has been established at a disturbed site, it continues to spread into the surrounding habitat. This species beats out its native competitors by at least three methods: 1) A tap root that sucks up water faster than the root systems of its neighbors, 2) Quick spread through high seed production, and 3) Low palatability, meaning that it is less likely to be chosen as food by herbivores. It's seed is 1/4 inch with a small bristle at the tip which makes the wind its primary means of dispersal. The leaves are a pale grayish green called Glaucus. They are coverd in fine short hairs. The lower leaves arrange a basal rosette, alternate, up to 6 inches long, deeply divided into lobes. Stem leaves less lobed progressivly getting smaller toward the top. The stem is erect or ascending, slender, hairy and branching which can grow up to three feet tall

References