Bachelor's Button (also known as Cornflower, Basketflower)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Asterales, Family: Asteraceae, Genus: Centaurea, Species: Centaurea cyanus · Asteraceae (Aster, Daisy, or Sunflower family) · Simple, deciduous herbaceous plant part
Species
Centaurea cyanus
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous herbaceous plant part
Family
Asteraceae (Aster, Daisy, or Sunflower family)
Shape
Lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, slightly lobed or entire lower leaves
Size
Approximately 1 to 3 inches long and 0.5 inches wide, typical for the species
Margin
Entire to remotely denticulate or shallowly lobed
Arrangement
Alternate along the branching stem
Rarity
Very Common in agricultural zones, gardens, and wildflower meadows
Color & Pattern
Muted, dried olive-green to grey-green coloration due to pressing and drying; upper and lower surfaces are densely covered in fine cobwebby hairs giving a grayish cast
Venation Pattern
Pinnate with a prominent central midrib
Texture & Surface
Papery and slightly rough or woolly due to persistent grayish pubescence
Description
Centaurea cyanus is a slender, branching annual herb growing up to 90 cm tall. It features grayish-green, cottony-hairy stems and leaves, culminating in striking, bright blue, thistle-like flower heads encased in imbricate, scaly bracts. The specimen shown is a pressed and dried herbarium voucher displaying the characteristic bulky floral head and alternating lanceolate leaves.
Key Features
Bright blue composite flower heads with larger peripheral sterile florets, urn-shaped involucre with fringed bract margins, and grayish-green, woolly-hairy stems and alternate leaves
Habitat
Fields, meadows, agricultural lands, disturbed areas, and waste places; prefers full sun and well-drained, neutral to alkaline soils
Geographic Range
Native to Europe and temperate Asia, now naturalized widely across North America and other parts of the world
Condition Notes
Good condition for a dried, pressed herbarium specimen, maintaining structural integrity of both the composite flower head and foliage
Interesting Facts
Cornflowers were frequently found as weeds in European corn and grain fields, hence the common name cornflower. They are also the traditional boutonnière flower worn by men in various cultures
Medicinal & Uses
Used traditionally in herbal medicine for eye washes (eyewash water), skin soothing, and as a natural blue food dye or edible flower garnish in salads. Non-toxic to humans
Ecological Role
Provides nectar and pollen resources for various native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insect pollinators
Similar Species
Other Centaurea species such as Centaurea jacea (Brown knapweed) or Centaurea nigra (Black knapweed), which typically possess pinkish-purple flowers and broader, coarser leaves
Foraging Tips
Look for disturbed soils, sunny meadows, and old agricultural edges in late spring to summer when the distinct blue flower heads are actively blooming
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic; safe for humans and animals
Notes
It had a bulky like head