Russian knapweed

Rhaponticum repens (L.) Hidalgo

Appearance: Rhaponticum repens is a perennial forb that can grow to 3 ft. (1 m) in height. Stems originate from a basal rosette of leaves. The rosette leaves can be unlobed to very lobed and are 2-4 in. (5-10 cm) long.
Foliage: Stem leaves are oblong, pinnately lobed to entire and up to 6 in. (15.2 cm) in length at the base of the stem and become smaller and less lobed toward the top.
Flowers: In summer to fall Rhaponticum repens produces flowers that are pink to purple and turn straw colored as they mature. The flower heads are approximately 0.5 in (1.2 cm) in diameter and urn shaped.
Fruit: Fruits (achenes) are ivory-colored with a tuft of hair that falls off at maturity.
Ecological Threat: Rhaponticum repens is native to Eurasia and was introduced into the United States in the early 1900’s. This species can cause chewing disease in horses.

Plant(s)
Norman E. Rees, USDA Agricultural Research Service - Retired, Bugwood.org
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Infestation
Norman E. Rees, USDA Agricultural Research Service - Retired, Bugwood.org
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Plant(s)
Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org
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Seedling(s)
Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org
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Flower(s)
Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Feature(s) Bud stage with detached bracts
Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org
Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

Flower(s)
Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org
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Fruit(s)
Steve Hurst, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Bugwood.org
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