| 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. |