Dagger-flower

Centaurea salmantica Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 2: 918. 1753

Herbage cobwebby-tomentose proximally, glabrous distally. Stems usually 1, leafless distally. Leaves: basal blades oblong, 10–25 cm, margins pinnately lobed; cauline linear to lanceolate, smaller distally, dentate to pinnately dissected. Heads long-pedunculate. Involucres ovoid, distally narrowed. Phyllaries greenish or stramineous, apically blackish, spine tips deciduous, spreading or reflexed, 1–3 mm. Corollas ± purple (rarely white). Cypselae dark brown, 3–4 mm; pappus bristles brownish white or reddish, 2–3 mm. 2n = 18 (Italy), 20 (North Africa), 22 (Europe).

Flowering spring–early summer (May–Jun). Disturbed sites; 0–1700 m; introduced; Ariz., Calif.; Europe; n Africa.

Mantisalca salmantica is native to the Mediterranean region. It is considered an uncommon introduction into disturbed sites.