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Lesser Knapweed
Centaurea nigra
Other
Names:
Hardheads, Black Knapweed, Lesser Knapweed
Distribution:
Native perennial across the
UK
on grassland,
road sides and cliffs.
Habitat:
Grassland and hedgebanks in sunny sites. It tolerates poor soils
and grows well in very chalky soils.
Description:
Medium height with
thistle-like, dark flower heads with numerous deep pink florets at the
top of the flower head. The
flowers appear between June and September.
Folklore:
It was said that the centaur Chiron from Greek mythology, used
the plant to heal wounds.
Wildlife:
Source of nectar for bees and butterflies.
It is the food plant of the Lime Speck Pug Moth.
Finches are attracted to the seed heads when ripe.
Sowing Instructions for Seed:
Sow seed in spring in a greenhouse or cold frame. When the
seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual
pots. Plant the seedlings
out into their final position in summer.
Our
plants and seeds are of native British origin.
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