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Spotted Knapweed

Scientific Name: Centaurea maculosa

Distinguishing Features
• It grows up to 4 feet tall the second year.
• In the first year it has a rosette of deeply lobed leaves that grow up to 8 inches long and 2 inches wide.
• Second year plants produce stem-leaves that have fewer to no lobes. Leaves alternate along the stem and grow smaller towards the top.
• Second year plants produce flowers that are pink to purple, occasionally white, solitary, and up to one inch in diameter. Small leaves (bracts)with black tips, lay flat against the base of the flower head, giving the flower base a "spotted" look.

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