How to identify Perennial cornflower (Centaurea montana)
Perennial cornflower, also known as Mountain bluet, Bachelor's button, Knapweed, Great blue-bottle
Perennial cornflower typically presents as an upright, clumping perennial, reaching a height of around 1 to 2 feet (30 to 60 cm). It is characterized by its distinct, solitary blooms which have a fringed appearance and exhibit a vibrant blue hue. These flowers feature a striking reddish-blue center, which is framed by involucre bracts that have a notable black edging. The foliage adds to the aesthetic with its lance-shaped, green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the colorful inflorescence.
Lifespan: Perennial, Annual
Plant Type: Herb
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Distinct solitary blooms with fringed, vibrant blue petals and reddish-blue center.
Involucre bracts with black edging framing the striking flower center.
Lance-shaped, green leaves up to 7 inches (18 cm) long, with prominent parallel veins.
Erect, hairy stems reaching 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in height, often unbranched.
Fruit with fine, straw-colored texture and tuft of light brown bristles at tip.
Perennial cornflower's leaves are gray-green and lance-shaped, measuring up to 7 inches (18 cm) in length. They exhibit a tapered form with a slightly rough texture. The lower leaves are more elongated, while upper leaves tend to be smaller. The veins are prominent, running parallel along the leaf length, and there is a light fuzz covering the surface, contributing to their grayish tint. This distinctive appearance aids in the identification of perennial cornflower among other flora.
Perennial cornflower flowers are characterized by their striking appearance. They feature fringed, deep blue petals surrounding a reddish-blue center, creating a captivating contrast. The edges of the involucre bracts are delineated with black, adding a unique touch. Flowers typically measure about 1.5 to 2 inches (4 to 5 cm) in diameter. Blooming primarily from late spring to early summer, the flowers emit a mild, pleasant scent. These distinct features make perennial cornflower a memorable and attractive flower for gardens.
Perennial cornflower has erect stems that are typically single or emerge in multiples from the base, reaching a height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm). The stems are hairy, providing a distinctive texture, and are usually unbranched, though they can occasionally be few-branched. This characteristic combination of erect posture, hairiness, and minimal branching is key for identifying the species.
The fruit of perennial cornflower is characterized by a fine, hairy texture and matures to a distinctive straw color. As it reaches maturity, it is adorned with a tuft of stiff, short, light brown bristles that crown the tip. These bristles lend a unique tactile feel to the fruit. Typically, each fruit is small in size, allowing for easy distribution by wind. The combination of the fruit's color, texture, and the signature bristle tuft aid in its identification and are particularly noteworthy to novice plant enthusiasts.
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Scientific Classification of Perennial cornflower
