Status: Exotic, Noxious Weed (Class B, with more widespread distribution within the state)
Synonyms:
None
Centaurea melitensis is a yellow thistle with spines that are about 10mm long on the phyllaries, about half as
long as those of the similar Centaurea solstitialis. Both species are yellow with winged stems, and both are
exotic classified as noxious weeds in New Mexico. Both are found in disturbed areas in the open.
Many thanks to Bill Norris for spotting this plant!
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Centaurea melitensis, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Silver City near Hill and Mississippi, May 21, 2020
Centaurea melitensis, inflorescence with relatively short spines on inflorescence bracts (phyllaries), photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Silver City near Hill and Mississippi, May 21, 2020
Centaurea melitensis, winged stem and leaf, photo Russ Kleinman & Bill Norris, Silver City near Hill and Mississippi, May 21, 2020
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