Black Knapweed (Centaurea nigra) is a thistle-like plant also known as Common Knapweed or Hardheads. It is one of the very best plants for pollen and nectar production and is an important food source for a variety of butterflies and other insects. It occurs in the hay meadows, Fields 1 and 2 and abundantly, in a slightly different (Emorsgate) rayed form, in the Wildflower Meadow near Downlee Lodge. Knapweed flowers from July to September and some plants, near the top fence-line in Fields 1 and 2, can be seen from the public footpath even after the main area of the meadows has been cut for hay.
Photographs of Black Knapweed
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Further Information
For further information on the Black Knapweed, please click here.
