Beekeepers fear loss of forage Loved by beekeepers, the star
thistle is an invasive, exotic weed being targeted for
biocontrol. The purple spotted knapweed flower is attractive to
bees and a good nectar producer: However, once it gains a
foothold, spotted knapweed kills competing vegetation and
creates conditions for its own spread. Photo by James H. Miller,
USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org photo Inset by Marisa Williams,
University of Arkansas, Bugwood.org Michigan beekeepers have
added one more item to the list of things threatening their
industry—a gradual reduction in a major bee forage crop they
call star thistle. In August, the state Department of
Agriculture approved the release of two biocontrol
agents—beetles—that feed on spotted knapweed, an exotic,
invasive weed species that has spread over much of North America
since it was brought here from Europe and Asia about 120 years
ago. Spotted knapweed which many beekeepers call by the more
romantic name of star thistle, has spread over much of northern
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