Ashley National Forest

Noxious Weeds Program

Spotted Knapweed

(a.k.a. Centaurea maculosa and their similar kin - Russian, diffuse, squarrose knapweed)

Distinguishing Features

• Reaches almost 3 feet in height
• Maintains a flowering stalk as it matures
• Dark spots visible on flower buds and heads
• Flowers are pink to purple, sometimes white
• Leaves are short, narrow and covered with fine hair; small and divided at the base of the plant; in small clusters close to the ground during its first year

Crimes Committed

• Choking & the deliberate takeover of native plants
• Stealing lands, homes & food from wildlife
• Corrupting & invading open lands, roadsides & recreation areas
• Costing a bundle for taxpayers to control
• Wreaking havoc & mayhem on innocent, unsuspecting ecosystems

Join the Invasive Weed Patrol

• Help stop the spread of this weedy, seedy, desperado
• Report any sightings to local land managers or rangers
• Remove all weed seeds from clothing, shoes, pets, camping gear & tire treads

Your Reward

• Healthy Ecosystems on Your Public Lands