Edge/ Brown Knapweed

COMMON NAME: Brown Knapweed

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Star-thistle

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Centaurea jacea

FAMILY: Asteraceae

COMMUNITY: Edge

STATUS: Naturalized from Europe

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 8 to 32 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Late June to September

FRUITING TIME: July to October

DISTRIBUTION: Southern Canada to West Virginia ~ Northern New Jersey and Cape May and Ocean Counties

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Leaves entire or toothed, basal ones broadly elliptic, upper ones have leaf stalk ~ Heads numerous branches, tan to dark brown ~ marginal flowers, maroon

GENERAL INFORMATION: This large family (Asteraceae), commonly called the Aster Family, consists of 1,314 genera and 21,000 species of herbs, shrubs, climbers and a few trees is found chiefly in temperate and subtropical regions.  The plants are of value to man as ornamentals; a few are insecticides and fish poisons. The genus Centaurea means “of Centaur” who was famous for his gift of healing. Brown Knapweed is a weed of disturbed ground or fields and roadsides. Another member of this genus (Centaurea) is the well known Batchelor’s Buttons or Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus).  This plant is edible and has been reported to have medicinal qualities.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.