Centaurea

Bloom time: Late spring through late summer.

Centaurea is a genus of as many as 600 weedy plants grouped under the common name, Knapweed. These relatives of the thistle family have a host of common names, themselves, including basket flower, bachelor's buttons, starthistle, cornflower, and many others. The Centaurea varieties we grow in the flower bed are not weeds, but may self-sow. The flowers produce abundant nectar and are highly attractive to pollinators - particularly butterflies. The papery petals of the flowers are edible and look rather good sprinkled on drinks or cakes, or in salads. They also dry particularly well for winter displays.