Tyrol Knapweed
Centaurea nigrescens
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Tyrol Knapweed (Centaurea nigrescens) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Native alternatives to Tyrol Knapweed
Tyrol Knapweed is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaTyrol knapweed is a non-native perennial that produces purple thistle-like flowers from summer through fall. This European species can spread aggressively and may self-seed readily in favorable conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tyrol Knapweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Non-native species with invasive potential
- Can spread aggressively and look weedy
- May be considered a noxious weed in some areas
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during its extended blooming period from July through October.
Common questions
- How much sun does Tyrol Knapweed need?
- Tyrol Knapweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Tyrol Knapweed bloom?
- Tyrol Knapweed blooms in July, August, September, and October.
- What pollinators does Tyrol Knapweed attract?
- Tyrol Knapweed draws bees, butterflies, and beetles.
- Is Tyrol Knapweed HOA-friendly?
- Tyrol Knapweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Tyrol Knapweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz