Status:
valid
Authors:
Muss.Puschk. ex Willd.
Source:
gcc
Year:
1803
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl., ed. 4 , 3: 2298 (1803)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000114471
Common Names
- Centaurea
- Macrocephala Centaurea
- Large-headed Knapweed
Synonyms
- Grossheimia macrocephala (Muss.Puschk. ex Willd.) Sosn. & Takht. [unknown]
- Phaeopappus macrocephalus Boiss. [unknown]
Description
Centaurea macrocephala (also called Bighead Knapweed, among many other common names) is a perennial herb with purple flowers and large heads. It is native to Europe and is found in grasslands and woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Centaurea macrocephala is used as an ornamental plant, as it has attractive flowers and foliage. It is also used to attract pollinators and beneficial insects to gardens.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Centaurea macrocephala is large, purple, and has many petals. The seeds are small and black. The seedlings are small and have a single stem with small, green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Centaurea macrocephala is a perennial plant that grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It can be propagated from seed or division. Seeds should be sown in the spring and divisions should be taken in the late summer or early fall. Water regularly and fertilize once a month.
Where to Find Centaurea macrocephala
Centaurea macrocephala is native to the Mediterranean region and can be found in dry grasslands, scrubland, and open woodlands.
Centaurea macrocephala FAQ
What is the ideal soil type for Centaurea macrocephala?
Centaurea macrocephala prefers well-drained, sandy soils with a neutral pH.
How much water does Centaurea macrocephala need?
Centaurea macrocephala requires moderate amounts of water, but can tolerate some drought.
What is the best way to propagate Centaurea macrocephala?
Centaurea macrocephala can be propagated by seed or cuttings.
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,