Maltese Cockspur
Common name
Maltese Cockspur
Scientific Name
Centaurea melitensis
Type of plant
Daisies & Thistles (Family Asteraceae)
About this weed
This weed is widely spread from Carnarvon in the north to across the Nullarbor as well as in local urban bushland. It was originally a native of the Mediterranean Region.
Description
The plant grows to about 1 metre high and bears yellow thistle-like flowers with reddish tipped bracts below the flower head. It can be either an annual or biennial and flowers in late spring and summer.
Impact on Bushland
If left will spread over bushland and impact on ecological processes and plant communities.
Location
Widely distributed across the Eremaean and South-West Provinces. It is a weed of roadsides, cultivated areas & other disturbed areas.
Priority for removal
High: a major threat to the conservation values of both the Eremaean and South-West Provinces.
Management (hand)
Not available.
Management (herbicide)
Not available.
Flowering month/s
January, February, March, September, October, November, December
Flower colour/s
Yellow
Information source
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/7916
Additional information
https://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/weeds/swanweeds/
Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G. and Cousens, R.D. (2007) Western weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia, Second Edition, The Weeds Society of Western Australia, Victoria Park, Western Australia.
