Cornflower

Cornflower is the common name for *Centaurea cyanus*, an annual flowering plant in the daisy family (Asteraceae).

Cornflower (*Centaurea cyanus*) is an annual flowering plant in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to Europe. It is widely grown as a garden and cut flower, known for its blue, pink, white, or purple flower heads. Historically a weed of grain fields, it has naturalized in parts of North America, including Canada, where it is cultivated in gardens and wildflower mixes.

Description

Cornflower is an herbaceous annual with narrow gray-green leaves and upright, often hairy stems. The flower heads are made up of central disk florets and surrounding ray florets, typically appearing blue but also other colours.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to Europe and has spread through cultivation and naturalization to other regions. It has traditionally been associated with cereal fields, but it is now also found in gardens, wildflower plantings, roadsides, and disturbed ground.

Uses

Cornflower is grown mainly for ornamental purposes and as a cut or dried flower. It has also been used in traditional practices and as a source of blue dye, though some medicinal uses lack strong scientific evidence.

Name and symbolism

The name "cornflower" reflects its historical growth in grain fields, while "bachelor's button" is a common alternative name. The plant has also been associated with cultivated wildflower mixes and, in some contexts, national symbolism.