RUSSIAN KNAPWEED
Acroptilon repens L.
Russian Knapweed is a greyish perennial up to 3' tall and typically in dense clumps. Leaves are alternate and of several types. Upper are small, narrow, smooth edged; stem are larger with small toothed margins; basal are deeply notched. Stems branch profusely with terminal flowers. Flowers are thistle-like with scaly seed head and lavender color. Roots are very dark and heavily scaled. Seeds are flattened, ivory in color and held in cup shaped seed heads.
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Photos and information adapted from "Weeds of the West" by Tom Whitson
