Russian Knapweed
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Russian Knapweed
Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Class B Weed
Russian Knapweed Management
Description: Russian knapweed is a creeping perennial forming dense colonies as a result of buds from its black, spreading roots. It can reach a height of 4 feet. Lower leaves range from entire to lobed. Upper leaves are smaller, entire, and attached directly to the stem. Cone-shaped, pink to lavender flower heads are borne at the end of leafy branches. Floral bracts are greenish, smooth, and papery with a rounded or pointed margin. Russian knapweed cause, chewing disease in horses.
Origin: Europe and Asia
Key Characteristics:
- Deep penetrating black roots (to 25 feet deep)
- Flower 0-23 to 0-5 inch in diameter
- Floral bracts are smooth and papery with a rounded or pointed margin
- Perennial
Distribution: Russian knapweed entered the U.S. around 1900 and is currently found throughout the western U.S. In New Mexico, there are numerous serious populations distributed in the central and northwestern counties, with scattered populations in other areas.
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