Status:
valid
Authors:
Lam.
Source:
gcc
Year:
1785
Citation Micro:
Encycl. 1: 675 (1785)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000061575
Common Names
- Diffuse Knapweed
- Hardheads
- Star Thistle
Synonyms
- Centaurea myriocephala E.D.Clarke [unknown]
- Centaurea stoebe Tausch [illegitimate]
- Centaurea aemulans Klokov [unknown]
- Centaurea ovina hort. ex Steud. [unknown]
- Centaurea myriocephala myriocephala [unknown]
- Acrolophus diffusus (Lam.) Á.Löve & D.Löve [unknown]
- Centaurea parviflora Sm. [unknown]
- Centaurea parviflora M.Bieb. [unknown]
- Centaurea ammophila Besser ex DC. [unknown]
- Centaurea parviflora auct.non Delile [deprecated]
- Acosta aemulans (Klokov) Holub [unknown]
- Acosta diffusa (Lam.) Soják [unknown]
- Centaurea microcalathina A.O.Tarassov [unknown]
- Centaurea spinosa Griseb. [unknown]
- Centaurea sabulosa Ledeb. ex Spreng. [unknown]
- Centaurea seriensis Rech.f. [unknown]
Description
Centaurea diffusa (also called Diffuse Knapweed, among many other common names) is an annual herb native to Europe and Asia. It has lance-shaped leaves and small purple flowers. It grows in grasslands, meadows, and disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Centaurea diffusa is used in traditional medicine for treating fever, headache, and stomach ache. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a natural insect repellent.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Centaurea diffusa is yellow, with multiple yellow petals and a yellow center. The seed is small and black. The seedlings are thin and have multiple stems.
Cultivation and Propagation
Centaurea diffusa is a perennial herb that is native to Europe. It can be propagated from seed or by division. Seeds should be sown in a moist, well-drained soil mix and kept at a temperature of 18-21°C. Division should be done in the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing. The clumps should be divided and replanted in the soil.
Where to Find Centaurea diffusa
Centaurea diffusa is native to the Mediterranean region, where it is found in dry, rocky soils.
Centaurea diffusa FAQ
What is the scientific name of Centaurea diffusa?
Centaurea diffusa
What are the common names of Centaurea diffusa?
Diffuse knapweed, Diffuse knapweed
What is the habitat of Centaurea diffusa?
Grassy fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas
Species in the Centaurea genus
Centaurea pseudomaculosa,
Centaurea spicata,
Centaurea loscosii,
Centaurea triniifolia,
Centaurea gadorensis,
Centaurea messenicolasiana,
Centaurea werneri,
Centaurea grisebachii,
Centaurea noguerensis,
Centaurea papposa,
Centaurea vermiculigera,
Centaurea saxicola,
Centaurea linifolia,
Centaurea antitauri,
Centaurea lactiflora,
Centaurea vavilovii,
Centaurea aplolepa,
Centaurea sphaerocephala,
Centaurea integrans,
Centaurea ognjanoffii,
Centaurea stevenii,
Centaurea centauroides,
Centaurea pinnata,
Centaurea aeolica,
Centaurea cankiriensis,
Centaurea ebenoides,
Centaurea ceratophylla,
Centaurea simonkaiana,
Centaurea rothmaleriana,
Centaurea chalcidicaea,
Centaurea pinnatifida,
Centaurea nervosa,
Centaurea foveolata,
Centaurea elbrusensis,
Centaurea triumfettii,
Centaurea hermanni,
Centaurea djebel-amouri,
Centaurea chrysantha,
Centaurea monticola,
Centaurea melitensis,
Centaurea affinis,
Centaurea kizildaghensis,
Centaurea filiformis,
Centaurea scillae,
Centaurea vatevii,
Centaurea sterilis,
Centaurea handelii,
Centaurea androssovii,
Centaurea litardierei,
Centaurea oxylepis,
Species in the Asteraceae family
Aaronsohnia pubescens,
Aaronsohnia factorovskyi,
Abrotanella filiformis,
Abrotanella rostrata,
Abrotanella linearis,
Abrotanella trilobata,
Abrotanella muscosa,
Abrotanella inconspicua,
Abrotanella trichoachaenia,
Abrotanella caespitosa,
Abrotanella nivigena,
Abrotanella pusilla,
Abrotanella linearifolia,
Abrotanella papuana,
Abrotanella rosulata,
Abrotanella emarginata,
Abrotanella fertilis,
Abrotanella spathulata,
Abrotanella purpurea,
Abrotanella patearoa,
Abrotanella submarginata,
Abrotanella diemii,
Abrotanella scapigera,
Abrotanella forsterioides,
Acamptopappus shockleyi,
Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus,
Acanthocephalus benthamianus,
Acanthocephalus amplexifolius,
Acanthocladium dockeri,
Acanthodesmos distichus,
Acanthodesmos gibarensis,
Acanthospermum humile,
Acanthospermum consobrinum,
Acanthospermum glabratum,
Acanthospermum microcarpum,
Acanthospermum hispidum,
Acanthospermum australe,
Acanthospermum lecocarpoides,
Acanthostyles buniifolius,
Acanthostyles saucechicoensis,
Achillea buiana,
Achillea conrathii,
Achillea cucullata,
Achillea styriaca,
Achillea clavennae,
Achillea cappadocica,
Achillea huber-morathii,
Achillea ptarmicoides,
Achillea sieheana,
Achillea barrelieri,