Common Knapweed is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in grassland, meadow and waste ground, to a mature height of up to 70cm.
Knapweed is named after the Middle English 'knopweed', meaning a plant with a 'knop', referring to the plant's hard brown flower buds. Common Knapweed can be distinguished from Greater Knapweed by its: shorter height; simple elongated leaves (rather than lobed leaves); non-spherical flower bud; and a composite flowerhead made up only of disc florets of similar-length petals (although outer ones will sometimes have petals with a rayed appearance).
Botanic classification and naming: Common Knapweed is a member of the Daisy (Asteraceae) family. The genus name
'Centaurea' identifies the plant as a Knapweed and its species name 'nigra' means 'black'.
Benefits: Pollinated by bees, butterflies and hoverflies. The plant produces a large volume of nectar and attracts a wide range of butterflies, including the Brimstone and Common Blue. Caterpillars of the Black-Veined and Scarce Forester moths feed on this plant.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
|