Centaurea americana

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Centaurea americana
Centaurea americana2.jpg
Centaurea americana flower
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Asterales
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Centaurea
Species:
C. americana
Binomial name
Centaurea americana
Nutt.
Synonyms [1]

Plectocephalus americanus(Nutt.) D.Don

Centaurea americana, commonly called American starthistle or American basketflower, is an annual [1] native to the southern central United States and northeastern Mexico. [2] Its common name comes from the underside of the inflorescence, which has a basket weave pattern on it and on the flowerbuds.

The pink petals look somewhat like a thistle with a cream colored center. Blooms are 4" in diameter and are held from May until June. The plant can reach 5-6' tall and has rough 4" long lance-shaped leaves.

Flower bud showing basketwork appearance Centaurea americanabud.jpg
Flower bud showing basketwork appearance

The plant is often cultivated for its showy flowers, and can sometimes be found outside its native range as an escape from cultivation. [2]

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References

  1. 1 2 "Plectocephalus". Flora of North America .
  2. 1 2 "Plectocephalus americanus". Flora of North America .