Greeting Cards - Lesser Knapweed - Centaurea nigra
Hardy Annual - Flowers: July to September

Lesser knapweed grows in grassland where its reddish-purple thistle-like flowers appear from July to September. This regal meadow plant also makes an attractive addition to the summer border, providing late summer nectar for many species of bees and butterflies. In some areas of the countryside a staggering 25 or more insect species benefit from this plant, including the rose chafers, one of our most beautiful insects, a striking green scarab beetle and the tortoise beetle larvae (which feeds on the leaves). By leaving the seed heads uncut at the end of summer you will also provide a tasty food supply for finches.