Stem

To 5 ft. tall; forms basil rosette, then rapid growth forms flower stems; lower parts of flowering stems are winged

Leaves

Fuzzy leaves with deep, rounded lobes; leaves decrease in size higher on the plant

Flower

White to pink to purple petals, 0.5 in. tall and 0.5 in. wide with fuzzy hairs at their base; flowers often appear to have no petals; bracts at the base of the flower have light brown, pointed spines; seeds are tiny, barrel-shaped and have a crown of fine hairs that aid in wind dispersal

Root

Stout, deep taproot and many fine, water-absorbing, surface roots

Other

Grows best on disturbed ground and seasonally flooded sites; no known occurrences in Nevada
Winter annual; each plant can produce several thousand seeds; seed remains viable in soil for several years
Can outcompete native vegetation by rapid growth which shades out other plants

Control

Mechanical removal by pulling, digging or hoeing is effective; if plant is flowering, bag up plant and dispose of properly
Apply aminocyclopyrachlor+chlorsulfuron, aminopyralid or clopyralid preemergence or post emergence in the seedling to rosette stage; apply 2,4-D or dicamba post emergence during rosette to early bolting stage

Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Mediterranean desert knapweed, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Extension Associated Contacts

Heidi Kratsch

Also of Interest:


*Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Diffuse knapweed* Diffuse knapweed is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
*Paradise Valley Weed Control Demonstration Plot: Russian Knapweed* Russian knapweed is a long-lived perennial broadleaf forb. New populations typically establish from seedlings. Long-term, its spread is largely from the lateral expansion of an extensive creeping root system. Individual plants reproduce vegetatively (i.e., are clonal) and become ... Schultz, B. 2005, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Managing Spotted Knapweed* Spotted knapweed is an invasive, noxious weed that should be prevented from invading lands in Nevada. It can be successfully managed over time using a variety of integrated measures if addressed in an aggressive, consistent manner using the best knowledge about control methods av... Graham, J. and Johnson, W. 2004, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
*Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Squarrose knapweed* Squarrose knapweed is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
*Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Russian knapweed* Russian knapweed is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed. Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Associated Programs

Master Gardeners of Nevada

Program trains local gardeners to provide research-based horticulture information to Nevadans

Garden plant and pest sprayers image by Olga Seifutdinova from Getty Images

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management program is a long-term management strategy that uses a combination of tactics to reduce pests to tolerable levels with potentially lower costs for the pest manager and minimal effect on the environment.

Grow Your Own, Nevada!

Learn the secrets of high desert gardening

Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Mediterranean desert knapweed