Turf Weeds was developed to provide weed management information and newsearch reports to turfgrass managers.  This site contains information on weed identification, chemical and cultural management of weeds, and current topics relevant to weed management in lawns and professional turf.  Turf Weeds was created  by Dr. Shawn Askew, Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Weed Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.
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Plant Description:
Name:brown knapweed
Scientific Name:Centaurea jacea
Family:Asteraceae
Type:Broadleaf
Lifecycle:Perennial
Habit:Brown knapweed reproduces by seeds. It, like most other knapweeds, has a taproot system which allows it to suck water and nutrients from nearby plants.
Leaves:The leaves of brown knapweed are egg-shaped or lance shaped. The leaves become smaller as they move up the stem.
Leaf Arrangement:Alternate
Characteristics:Brown knapweed can be distinguished from other knapweeds due to its brachts, which are tan to brown and paper-like at the edges.
Flower Seed Head:The flower heads of brown knapweed are 1 inch to 1 1/4 inch in diameter. They are ray type flowers and most often are magenta in color. The flowers bloom from June to October.
Seed Fruit:Brown knapweed seeds have tufts on the end and are approximately 1/8 inch long. The seeds are the source of reproduction.
Where Found:Brown knapweed is found throughout the North East and North Western United States. It originated and is found throughout Europe.

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