Great as a gift 🌸
Russian Knapweed
Centaurea repens · Asteraceae
How it looks
Russian Knapweed is a herbaceous plant with slender stems, narrow, long gray-green leaves arranged alternately, and rounded flower heads of pink-to-purple petals gathered like fine tassels at the branch tips. It stands 12–31 in (30–80 cm) tall and is common in the wild.
Russian Knapweed is listed as non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. An occasional nibble is unlikely to cause any real trouble.
Guide for parents
If leaves or stems sit at a height your cat can reach, they may get chewed or snapped. If the same spot keeps turning up damaged, that may be a route your cat takes.
If the pot can be moved, shift it off that route; if the plant is in the ground, just pick up dropped or broken pieces whenever you notice them.
Details
- Scientific name
- Centaurea repens
- Common name
- Russian Knapweed
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Asteraceae
Other safe flowers
Related guides
7 Cat-Safe Flowers to Give a Cat Owner
Want to give flowers to a friend or family member who has a cat? Here are 7 flowers that are both beautiful and safe for cats.
Why Cats Chew Plants, and How to Stop It
A cat chewing and tearing at plants isn't just mischief — there's an instinct behind it. Once you understand why, the ways to stop it follow naturally.