Montane Knapweed

Centaurea montana L.

Centaurea montana, known as Montane Knapweed, is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. It is native to Europe and has been introduced to regions such as the British Isles, Scandinavia, and North America, where it has become invasive in some areas, including British Columbia, Canada. The plant thrives in meadows and open woodlands in upper montane and sub-alpine zones, typically in basic soils. It grows between 30–70 cm tall and blooms from May to August.

Description

Centaurea montana is a perennial species that is common in southern European mountain ranges but less so in northern regions. It has escaped from cultivation and is now naturalized in several countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and parts of North America. The plant is characterized by its height of 30–70 cm and its flowering period from May to August. It is often found in meadows and open woodland habitats.

Other common names

Montane KnapweedMountain BluetMountain CornflowerMountain KnapweedMountain StarthistleMountain-BluetPerennial Cornflower

Distribution

Newfoundland · British Columbia · New Brunswick · Ontario · Quebec · Saint Pierre and Miquelon · GB · DK · Belgium · Latvia · Denmark · Finland · Great Britain · Ireland · Northern Ireland · Norway · Sweden · England · Scotland · Wales · SE · Vermont-US · EE · NO · IS · CA · Alaska · conterminous 48 United States · Austria · Baltic States