Refer to the Flower Head Comparison of White, Pink, or Purple-flowered Centaurea and Related Species Table for comparison. Russian knapweed and squarrose knapweed are both deep rooted perennials and established stands are more difficult to control than either spotted or diffuse knapweed. Russian knapweed can invade and persist in numerous ecosystems, including rangeland, pastures, agricultural fields, riparian areas, and wildlands. It has been found in saline, alkaline, low lying areas, but prefers deeper soils with more available moisture. Russian knapweed primarily regenerates new shoots from dark, scaly, rhizomes several inches below the soil surface.
Seed production is to a much lesser extent than diffuse or spotted knapweed.
Therefore, rate of spread is less rapid than the prolific knapweeds, but very persistent patches develop. Seed production and dispersal are still extremely important for colonization of new areas. Proper identification of Russian knapweed is important because it may be found in the same areas as other knapweeds, and different control strategies are needed. Since Russian knapweed is found in many production agricultural areas, growers should use certified weed-free crop seed to prevent spread. Certified weed-free hay should also be used to winter feed cattle and horses and pelleted feed can be used when using horses in backcountry areas.