By Blaine County Bug Crew
Russian knapweed is a perennial plant that reproduces mainly by creeping roots. In addition, a single plant is capable of producing more than 1,200 seeds. These seeds vary in color from gray to ivory and are produced from August through September. The erect stems are openly branched and typically 45 to 90 cm tall. The leaves are oblong on the upper part of the plant and become deeply lobed the closer they are to the root crown. Russian knapweed produces many flowers that range in color from pink to blue. Flowering typically begins in June and continues through September. Russian knapweed forms dense infestations across habitat types in the arid West. It is a significant pest of rangelands, roadsides and waste areas, and can invade grain and other crops. Recently, JAIV and AUAC were approved for release by the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service. Establishing SIMP sites for baseline monitoring data prior to agent release is necessary in order document biological control agent impacts.
