Diffuse knapweed
Centaurea diffusa
This exotic invader from Europe is a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae). Diffuse knapweed threatens wildlife habitat, pastures, grasses, and causes problems for Christmas tree growers. Knapweed invasions cause losses averaging up to 63 percent of available grazing forage.
Legal status in King County, Washington
As a Class B noxious weed, diffuse knapweed control is required in King County.
Biology and morphologyDiffuse knapweed is a biennial or weak perennial  that is shorter than spotted knapweed. Growing from a deep taproot, its upright stems have numerous spreading branches giving the plant a ball shape. Heads of white (sometimes pink to purple) flowers are solitary or in clusters of two or three at the ends of the branches. Excluding flowers and spines, heads are about 3/16" in diameter and 5/16" tall. Bracts around the flower heads are yellowish green with a light brown margin, fringed in spines ending with a longer spine at the tip. It flowers continuously from early summer into the fall, as long as moisture and temperatures permit. Additional information on diffuse knapweed
What to do if you find this plant in King County, WashingtonPlease notify us if you see diffuse knapweed growing in King County. Our program staff can provide the property owner or appropriate public agency with site-specific advice on how best to remove it. We map all known locations of regulated noxious weeds such as diffuse knapweed in order to help us and others locate new infestations in time to control them. Diffuse knapweed photos - click on thumbnail for larger image
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for diffuse knapweed