The present investigation aims to determine pappus and fruit characters of 21 taxa representing 12 different genera from Turkey. For this reason, present data of pappus and cypsela characters as well as previous results from 21 additional Cardueae taxa have been comparatively evaluated, and a total of 42 taxa were grouped by using cluster and MDS analysis methods. The cluster analysis resolved two main clusters, with five taxa having scale or coroniform pappus as the first‐branching group. Considerable variations were observed in the surface sculpture, and the pericarp and testa anatomical structures as well as the pappus characteristics. On the basis of fruit surface sculpture, four major types and two subtypes of ornamentation patterns were discerned, and based on their anatomies three types of testa epidermal structure were recognized. Our results show that Centaurea s.l. taxa do not exhibit clear distinction from the genus level; in some cases the taxa are separated to some extent, in other cases they are combined with Cyanus and Psephellus taxa. Two Klasea species with sclerenchymatous mesocarp exhibit the closest relationship to Centaurea s.l. taxa. Rhaponticum repens displays the nearest neighborhood with Centaurea s.l. and Klasea taxa. A diagnostic key based on the examined characteristics has been given. The taxonomic importance and systematic implications of the results are discussed in the light of the current framework. The evaluated cypsela and pappus characters are useful not only in assessing relationships within this group but also in delimiting genera and species.