Knautia is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Caprifoliaceae. They are commonly known as "widowflowers" because of the shape and color of their flowers, which resemble small pincushions. Knautia plants are native to Europe and Asia, and are now grown in many other parts of the world as ornamental plants.

Knautia plants have upright stems that can reach up to three feet in height. The flowers are typically pink, red, or purple, and are arranged in a spherical or flattened cluster. The foliage of Knautia plants is often green and slightly hairy, and can be quite narrow and pointed.