Centaurea sp.
Knapweed, star-thistle, Star-Thistle
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Asteraceae · Type: Perennial · Not Native
Centaurea sp. (Knapweed) is a non-native California perennial in the Asteraceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Cirsium: Cirsium bracts taper to simple spines; Centaurea bract tips expanded with fringed/toothed edges; vs Carduus: Carduus bracts spine-tipped but not fringed; Centaurea bract appendages distinctly fringed or toothed; vs Jacobaea: Jacobaea has obvious yellow ray flowers; Centaurea lacks true rays (all tubular flowers); vs Silybum: Silybum has white-veined leaves and simple spine-tipped bracts; Centaurea bracts ornately fringed; vs Eriophorum: Eriophorum is a sedge with grass-like leaves and cottony heads; Centaurea is a branched herb
Frequently asked questions
Is Centaurea sp. native to California?
No. Centaurea sp. is not native to California (recorded as not native).
What plant family does Centaurea sp. belong to?
Centaurea sp. is in the Asteraceae family, genus Centaurea.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.