Black knapweed, Lesser Knapweed
Centaurea nigra
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
An erect and branching plant that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1 m high and spreads 50 cm wide. It is hairy and rough to touch. The leaves at the base form a ring and are sword shaped. They have stalks and are usually undivided. The leaves on the stems do not have stalks and are undivided but may have teeth at the base. The flower heads are purple. They have dark brown or black bracts around them. There are comb like sections which cover the base of these bracts.
There are 400 to 600 Centaurea species.
Where it is found
A temperate plant. It will grows in most soils and under most conditions. It is resistant to drought and frost. Hobart Botanical Gardens. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
America, Australia, Britain (country/location of origin), Europe, North America, Tasmania
How it is used for food
The flower petals are used in salads.
Edible parts
Flowers
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Hardhead