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Centaury (Centaurea)
Also known as : Knapweeds, Loggerheads, Centory, Cornflowers
Centaury are flowering, thistle-like plants found all over the world. Because they are distributed so widely, they have many names: centaury, starthistles, knapweeds, bluets, and loggerheads. Some are considered invasive weeds - a problem because they are very hardy and robust and therefore difficult to eliminate.
Lifespan
Annual, Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Centaury
Feedback
Attributes of Centaury
Plant Height
50 cm
Spread
35 cm
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Centaury
Distribution of Centaury
Feedback
Distribution Map of Centaury
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Centaury
Feedback
The centaury genus thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil. Preferring cooler temperatures, these perennial plants need regular watering but are reasonably drought-tolerant once established. Common challenges include aphids and powdery mildew, against which they require regular monitoring and care. While centaury grows more profusely in spring and summer, winter preparation involves ensuring ground mulch for insulation. Care for centaury, thus, necessitates attention to light, water, temperature control, and seasonal adjustments.
How to Water Centaury?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Centaury?
How to Propagate Centaury?
How to Plant Centaury?
Exploring the Centaury Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Cornflower
Centaurea cyanus is known by several names, like cornflower and bachelor’s button. This flower has a beautiful blue color that was a favorite of famed Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. Today it is a Crayola crayon color as well as an HTML color name. The color is defined as a medium to light blue that contains very little green.
Perennial cornflower
Grown as a garden plant and as a cut flower, the perennial cornflower is a flowering plant endemic to the mountainous meadows and woodlands of Europe. Despite being inedible, this plant is widely utilized for medical purposes in Central Europe. It has grown invasive in British Columbia. Bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators are attracted to this plant.
Velvet centaurea
Velvet centaurea (Centaurea cineraria) is an evergreen perennial that will grow from 15 to 61 cm tall. Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Blooms in summer with white or yellow flowers. Grown for its gray-green foliage, which contrasts beautifully with darker green plants in the garden. Oftentimes, flowers are trimmed away to encourage thicker leaf growth.
Brown knapweed
Brown knapweed (Centaurea jacea) is a perennial flowering plant that grows in woodland clearings, yards, ditches, and pastures. Brown knapweed is native to Europe. This plant is categorized as an invasive species in most places where it grows.
Greater knapweed
Greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) is a perennial herb native to grasslands, hedgerows, cliffs, and other lime-rich soils of Europe. Its flowerheads are reminiscent of thistle flowers, only more delicate. It is a highly valuable plant for bees and butterflies.
Spotted knapweed
Spotted knapweed, or Centaurea stoebe, is known throughout the United States as a particularly harmful noxious weed. It crowds out native grasses, which increases soil erosion and water runoff. There is some control of spotted knapweed that can be done by grazing sheep on problem areas, as all growth stages of this plant are nutritious to sheep.
Lesser knapweed
Lesser knapweed (Centaurea nigra) is a flowering plant that’s a member of the daisy family. Other names for it include black knapweed, common knapweed, and hardheads. It’s indigenous to the European continent. Lesser knapweed produces more nectar than almost any other plant on the planet.
Maltese Star-Thistle
Maltese Star-Thistle (Centaurea melitensis) is an annual herb native to parts of Europe and Africa which is classified as a noxious weed in parts of the U.S. and can be invasive. It blooms from spring to summer with small flower heads covered with light brown to purple spiked appendages and tiny yellow disc-shaped florets.
All Species of Centaury
Cornflower
Cornflower
Centaurea cyanus is known by several names, like cornflower and bachelor’s button. This flower has a beautiful blue color that was a favorite of famed Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. Today it is a Crayola crayon color as well as an HTML color name. The color is defined as a medium to light blue that contains very little green.
Perennial cornflower
Perennial cornflower
Grown as a garden plant and as a cut flower, the perennial cornflower is a flowering plant endemic to the mountainous meadows and woodlands of Europe. Despite being inedible, this plant is widely utilized for medical purposes in Central Europe. It has grown invasive in British Columbia. Bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators are attracted to this plant.
Velvet centaurea
Velvet centaurea
Velvet centaurea (Centaurea cineraria) is an evergreen perennial that will grow from 15 to 61 cm tall. Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Blooms in summer with white or yellow flowers. Grown for its gray-green foliage, which contrasts beautifully with darker green plants in the garden. Oftentimes, flowers are trimmed away to encourage thicker leaf growth.
Brown knapweed
Brown knapweed
Brown knapweed (Centaurea jacea) is a perennial flowering plant that grows in woodland clearings, yards, ditches, and pastures. Brown knapweed is native to Europe. This plant is categorized as an invasive species in most places where it grows.
Greater knapweed
Greater knapweed
Greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) is a perennial herb native to grasslands, hedgerows, cliffs, and other lime-rich soils of Europe. Its flowerheads are reminiscent of thistle flowers, only more delicate. It is a highly valuable plant for bees and butterflies.
Spotted knapweed
Spotted knapweed
Spotted knapweed, or Centaurea stoebe, is known throughout the United States as a particularly harmful noxious weed. It crowds out native grasses, which increases soil erosion and water runoff. There is some control of spotted knapweed that can be done by grazing sheep on problem areas, as all growth stages of this plant are nutritious to sheep.
Lesser knapweed
Lesser knapweed
Lesser knapweed (Centaurea nigra) is a flowering plant that’s a member of the daisy family. Other names for it include black knapweed, common knapweed, and hardheads. It’s indigenous to the European continent. Lesser knapweed produces more nectar than almost any other plant on the planet.
Maltese Star-Thistle
Maltese Star-Thistle
Maltese Star-Thistle (Centaurea melitensis) is an annual herb native to parts of Europe and Africa which is classified as a noxious weed in parts of the U.S. and can be invasive. It blooms from spring to summer with small flower heads covered with light brown to purple spiked appendages and tiny yellow disc-shaped florets.
Purple knapweed
Purple knapweed
Annual procumbent plant of maximum size of about 30 cm, oval-sharp contour leaves, barely dentate, more or less hairy. Flowers with involvement of about 2 cm in diameter and bracts with a black strip at their edges; hence its specific Latin name, pullata, which means "dressed in mourning." Hairy Receptacle
Yellow star-thistle
Yellow star-thistle
Yellow star-thistle (Centaurea solstitialis) is a flowering plant species indigenous to the Mediterranean Basin. It blooms in spring. Yellow star-thistle is also known as St. Barnaby's thistle.
Big-head knapweed
Big-head knapweed
Big-head knapweed is enjoyed for its thistle-like appearance and bright yellow flowers, which sit atop its stem. It is highly popular as an ornamental plant, has been planted in gardens for more than 200 years, and is used in dried flower displays. However, this perennial is listed as a noxious weed in parts of North America.
Red star-thistle
Red star-thistle
Centaurea calcitrapa is a thistle rarely found in its native habitat of Europe, yet outside its native range, this thistle is considered a problematic environmental weed. It grows in fields, along roadsides, and in disturbed areas, creating dense thickets. Red star-thistle is unpalatable, and the crowded populations of this spiny thistle degrade the forage quality in American fields.
Singleflower knapweed
Singleflower knapweed
more or less globose involvement of up to 1.5 cm in diameter; involved bracts with black or dark brown appendages, pectinated-fimbriated, with 14 or 16 fimbriae on each side; purple tubular corolla; present vilane. Compressed achene fruit about 3 mm long. It blooms since late spring and in the summer
Centaurea collina
Centaurea collina
Centaurea collina is a member of the daisy family. It produces fascinating, tasseled yellow blossoms. However, you won't find this plant in any cultivated garden. It is a flower that grows only in the wild.
Rough star thistle
Rough star thistle
Rough star thistle is one of over 400 species belonging to the daisy family. It possesses a highly distinctive appearance of spiky seedheads and pointed purple petals. Gardeners typically plant rough star thistle in rock gardens and containers.
Blessed thistle
Blessed thistle
The spiny blessed thistle is considered a noxious weed in many areas. This Eurasian native's tough, invasive nature has helped it spread about much of the globe. It grows in open areas like meadows and fields and is quick to colonize disturbed soils, making it a common sight around roads and construction grounds. Blessed thistle has featured in Shakespeare's play, Much Ado About Nothing.
Tyrol knapweed
Tyrol knapweed
Centaurea nigrescens is a summer-flowering plant, commonly known as tyrol knapweed. It is native to central and southeastern Europe. It was also introduced to some parts of the United States but is now regarded as a noxious weed there. The plant is a unique star thistle.
Singleflower knapweed
Singleflower knapweed
Singleflower knapweed has a thistle-like appearance with its spiky purple flower. Unlike similar species, this plant only produces one single, showy flower. This characteristic explains its common name, Singleflower knapweed, and its Latin name, Centaurea uniflora, as both reference the solitary flower. Like other plants in the genus, singleflower knapweed has weed-like tendencies and likes to grow in dry fields and meadows where it can negatively affect agricultural practices.
Diffuse knapweed
Diffuse knapweed
Diffuse knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) is native to the Mediterranean region, but has become common across many parts of North America. It is almost universally derided as an invasive weed and can be very hard to eradicate. Diffuse knapweed's tough, spiny surface can be hazardous to livestock, and causes minor irritation on exposed skin. It takes root quickly in porous or disturbed soils.
Iberian star-thistle
Iberian star-thistle
Annual, biennial or perennial plants of short life, reaches a size of 20 to 200 cm in height. With one or several stems very branched, often forming rounded mounds, puberulent to slightly with tomentose underside.
Wig knapweed
Wig knapweed
Wig knapweed gets its name from the appearance of its unopened flower buds, which resemble hairy heads. When they open, the blooms are showy pinkish-purple flowers with many long, featherlike petals.
Mountain bluet 'Jordy'
Mountain bluet 'Jordy'
Mountain bluet 'Jordy' sports deep, maroon-purple petals rather than the characteristic blue of the parent plant. Although this plant's exact lineage is up for debate, it likely originated from the traditional mountain bluet. Not only popular for its blooms, mountain bluet 'Jordy' is also appreciated for its greyish-green leaves.
Spotted knapweed
Spotted knapweed
Spotted knapweed, a subspecies of the broader knapweed family, is notable for its robust, thistle-like appearance. This perennial herb showcases lavender to pinkish flowers atop silver-green foliar rosettes, often interpreted as a vivid splash of color in its dry, grassy habitats. Its hardy nature allows it to flourish in full sun, adapting to a range of well-draining soils.
Cornflower 'Black Ball'
Cornflower 'Black Ball'
Cornflower 'Black Ball' is a striking garden flower with deep purple, almost black blooms that attract pollinators.The seeds and leaves can be toxic in large quantities.
Mountain bluet 'Alba'
Mountain bluet 'Alba'
Around twice the size of the average montana species of flower, mountain bluet 'Alba' has uniquely shaped white flowers with deep-purple centers. Cultivated as a hybrid of other centaureas, this cultivar was named after the Latin word for "white." Gardeners admire this cultivar for its quick growth, distinctive appearance, and large blooms.
Mountain bluet 'Purple Heart'
Mountain bluet 'Purple Heart'
Mountain bluet 'Purple Heart' has a stunningly complex flower that features white spiked florets and, yes, a purple heart (center). The plant's parent instead has blue florets surrounding a purple center, far less striking than this hybrid. Gardeners value this plant because of its striking flowers which bloom throughout the summer. It goes with many other summer flowers and is very easy to grow.
More Popular Genus
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Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
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About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Centaury
Centaurea
Also known as: Knapweeds, Loggerheads, Centory, Cornflowers
Centaury are flowering, thistle-like plants found all over the world. Because they are distributed so widely, they have many names: centaury, starthistles, knapweeds, bluets, and loggerheads. Some are considered invasive weeds - a problem because they are very hardy and robust and therefore difficult to eliminate.
Lifespan
Annual, Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Centaury
Feedback
Attributes of Centaury
Plant Height
50 cm
Spread
35 cm
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 35 ℃
Scientific Classification of Centaury
Distribution of Centaury
Feedback
Distribution Map of Centaury
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Centaury
Feedback
The centaury genus thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil. Preferring cooler temperatures, these perennial plants need regular watering but are reasonably drought-tolerant once established. Common challenges include aphids and powdery mildew, against which they require regular monitoring and care. While centaury grows more profusely in spring and summer, winter preparation involves ensuring ground mulch for insulation. Care for centaury, thus, necessitates attention to light, water, temperature control, and seasonal adjustments.
How to Water Centaury?
What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Centaury?
How to Propagate Centaury?
How to Plant Centaury?
Exploring the Centaury Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Cornflower
Centaurea cyanus is known by several names, like cornflower and bachelor’s button. This flower has a beautiful blue color that was a favorite of famed Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer. Today it is a Crayola crayon color as well as an HTML color name. The color is defined as a medium to light blue that contains very little green.
Perennial cornflower
Grown as a garden plant and as a cut flower, the perennial cornflower is a flowering plant endemic to the mountainous meadows and woodlands of Europe. Despite being inedible, this plant is widely utilized for medical purposes in Central Europe. It has grown invasive in British Columbia. Bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinators are attracted to this plant.
Velvet centaurea
Velvet centaurea (Centaurea cineraria) is an evergreen perennial that will grow from 15 to 61 cm tall. Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Blooms in summer with white or yellow flowers. Grown for its gray-green foliage, which contrasts beautifully with darker green plants in the garden. Oftentimes, flowers are trimmed away to encourage thicker leaf growth.
Brown knapweed
Brown knapweed (Centaurea jacea) is a perennial flowering plant that grows in woodland clearings, yards, ditches, and pastures. Brown knapweed is native to Europe. This plant is categorized as an invasive species in most places where it grows.
Show More Species
All Species of Centaury
Cornflower
Perennial cornflower
Velvet centaurea
Brown knapweed
Greater knapweed
Spotted knapweed
Lesser knapweed
Maltese Star-Thistle
Purple knapweed
Yellow star-thistle
Big-head knapweed
Red star-thistle
Singleflower knapweed
Centaurea collina
Rough star thistle
Blessed thistle
Tyrol knapweed
Singleflower knapweed
Diffuse knapweed
Iberian star-thistle
Wig knapweed
Mountain bluet 'Jordy'
Spotted knapweed
Cornflower 'Black Ball'
Mountain bluet 'Alba'
Mountain bluet 'Purple Heart'
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
