Etymology: Centaurea: ancient Greek plant-name, poetically associated with Chiron, the Centaur, but without wholly satisfactory explanation
Plants: erect, biennial/perennial, 1'-4' tall forb
Leaves: pinnately-divided with narrow lobes
Flowers: head 1" wide with pink to purple disk flowers, starry, loosely thistle-like, bracts (phyllaries) fringed with black "eyelashes"; inflorescence a solitary head at the ends of the many branches; blooms June-Oct.
Habitat: dry; disturbed sites; in limy soil
Invasiveness: Restricted Invasive - Eradicate!
Conservation Status: Introduced - naturalized; ecologically invasive

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Invasive And Exotic Species of North America: Descriptions, management issues, warnings, photos, etc. WIS DNR-Bureau of Endangered Resources: Detailed information on Wisconsin invasive species including decription, habitats, control methods USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos University of Wisconsin - Green Bay: Invasive Plants: Photos, descriptions, information Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key