Centaurea virgata is a perennial forb that can grow 12-18 in. (30.5-45.7 cm) tall. This species is sometimes confused with diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa), but can be distinguished from Centaurea diffusa by the floral bracts. Bracts on Centaurea virgata are curved outward and are not laterally toothed.
Foliage
The leaves are alternate and deeply dissected.
Flowers
Flowering occurs in early to mid-summer, when pink flowers develop in heads at the tips of the branches.
Fruit
Seeds are dispersed when the plant breaks off at the base and tumbles across the landscape dispersing seeds along the way.
Ecological Threat
Occurs in open disturbed sites, such as rangelands, roadsides, and grasslands. Centaurea virgata is native to the Mediterranean region.