Russian Knapweed

QUICK IDENTIFICATION

  • Toothed and hairy base leaves; upper leaves small and narrow with a smooth edge
  • Blue-green leaves and stems
  • One purple to pink flower per branch with light pink to white tips on each flowerhead
  • Height 1 to 3 feet

Video Information


Weed Pictures


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Weed Information


TypeInformation
ToxicityToxic. Horses.
ControlMechanical and herbicide. Contact your County Weed District or local Applicator for more information.
HabitatIrrigation ditches, river corridors, forests, grasslands, roadsides, rangelands and pastures.
RootExtensive root system.
Leaf ShapeDeeply lobed lower leaves, linear upper leaves.
LifespanPerennial; two years or longer.
Priority 2B WeedAbundant in Montana and widespread in many counties.
Similar Looking PlantsSpotted knapweed, meadow knapweed and diffuse knapweed.
Important InformationRoot system has a black, bark-like covering. Plant is allelopathic (inhibits growth of other plants) and develops dense stands due to its ability to out-compete resident vegetation.
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