Iberian starthistle
(Centaurea iberica)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Centaurea iberica is an annual plant that grows 1-6 ft. (0.3-1.8 m) tall. It closely resembles purple starthistle and it is native to southern Europe.
Foliage
The leaves are divided into narrow linear segments. Rosettes have spines in the center. Rosette forms in May and June. Centaurea iberica is covered with tiny hairs all over the plant.
Flowers
Flower heads are purple with straw-colored spine-like bracts over 1 in. (2.5 cm) in length.
Fruit
Seeds are plumed, the distinguishing factor between this plant and the purple starthistle.
Ecological Threat
The sharp spines deter grazing animals, access to livestock and wildlife, reduce the value of hay, and can impede recreational use. This weedy plant has the potential to become widely established, having a significant impact on agriculture and wildland resources.
Citations
Winston, R.L., Andreas, J.E., Milan, J., DesCamp, W., Randell, C.B., and M. Schwarzlander. 2014. New Invaders of the Southwest. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. FHTET-2014-12. Retrieved from https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/files/14767.pdf
Winston, R.L., Andreas, J.E., Milan, J., DesCamp, W., Randell, C.B., and M. Schwarzländer. 2014. New Invaders of the Northwest. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. FHTET-2014-12. Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/technology/pdfs/FHTET-2014-12_NW_New_Invaders.pdf
Centaurea iberica is an annual plant that grows 1-6 ft. (0.3-1.8 m) tall. It closely resembles purple starthistle and it is native to southern Europe.
Foliage
The leaves are divided into narrow linear segments. Rosettes have spines in the center. Rosette forms in May and June. Centaurea iberica is covered with tiny hairs all over the plant.
Flowers
Flower heads are purple with straw-colored spine-like bracts over 1 in. (2.5 cm) in length.
Fruit
Seeds are plumed, the distinguishing factor between this plant and the purple starthistle.
Ecological Threat
The sharp spines deter grazing animals, access to livestock and wildlife, reduce the value of hay, and can impede recreational use. This weedy plant has the potential to become widely established, having a significant impact on agriculture and wildland resources.
Citations
Winston, R.L., Andreas, J.E., Milan, J., DesCamp, W., Randell, C.B., and M. Schwarzlander. 2014. New Invaders of the Southwest. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. FHTET-2014-12. Retrieved from https://bugwoodcloud.org/resource/files/14767.pdf
Winston, R.L., Andreas, J.E., Milan, J., DesCamp, W., Randell, C.B., and M. Schwarzländer. 2014. New Invaders of the Northwest. United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Health Technology Enterprise Team. FHTET-2014-12. Retrieved from https://www.fs.fed.us/foresthealth/technology/pdfs/FHTET-2014-12_NW_New_Invaders.pdf
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
State Lists - This map identifies those states that have this species on their invasive species list or law.
Invasive Listing Sources
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Asteranae |
| Order: Asterales |
| Family: Asteraceae |
| Subfamily: Carduoideae |
| Tribe: Cardueae |
| Genus: Centaurea |
| Centaurea iberica |
References
Common Name Reference: Weed Science Society of America Common Names List
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.