The chromosome numbers of three introduced species of Centaurea are here reported: C. diffusa Lam., 2n = 18; C. maculosa, Lam., 2n = 36; C. repens L., 2n = 26. The chromosome counts of C. diffusa and of C. maculosa, which are here reported for the first time, help to clarify a taxonomic problem. A pappus is usually lacking on the achenes of C. diffusa but is present on those of C. maculosa. As a result, plants of C. diffusa with a short pappus have been considered to be possible hybrids between these species. Three such plants here studied had the diploid chromosome number 18, rather than the triploid number to be expected in such a hybrid. Examination of pollen of suspected hybrid specimens shows that the percentage of normal pollen is high. This fact also supports the belief that plants of C. diffusa with a short pappus on the achene are not hybrids with C. maculosa.