Centaurea melitensis
(Maltese Star-thistle)
Centaurea melitensis, Reimer’s Ranch Park, Travis Co. 3620
Centaurea melitensis, Reimer’s Ranch Park, Travis Co. 3615
Centaurea melitensis, Reimer’s Ranch Park, Travis Co. 3631
Centaurea melitensis, Reimer’s Ranch Park, Travis Co. 3639
| Scientific Name | Centaurea melitensis | USDA PLANTS Symbol | CEME2 |
| Common Name | Maltese Star-thistle, Tocalote | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 36965 |
| Family | Asteraceae (Sunflower) | SEINet Reference |
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| Description |
Habitat: Disturbed areas, roadsides. Plant: Erect annual or biennial up to 3 feet tall, several branches in upper portion. Leaves: Alternate leaves; lower oblanceolate, pinnately-compound, 2 to 4 inches long; upper leaves becoming linear and winged, up to 1-1/4 inches long. Inflorescence: Ovoid-shaped involucre 3/8 to 5/8 inch across, with spine-tipped phyllaries and cobwebby hairs; many yellow florets, no ray flowers (petals). Blooming Period: April to June. References: "Wildflowers of the Texas Hill Country" by Marshall Enquist and SEINet. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: INVASIVE |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2024