Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe ssp. micranthos)

September 28th, 2014. This plant was growing in the long grass by a road sign at a busy intersection. Its roots are probably in the ditch. I’d see it as I rode through the intersection but was paying more attention to getting safely across the road that I’d forget to stop. From a distance, it looked a little like a blazing star or an ironweed. By the time I did remember to stop, the plant was way past its best but there were a few flowers, and some leaves left. 

I was a little surprised to find it was a Spotted Knapweed, the first I’ve seen. I’ll have to pay more attention next year.