Centaurea americana
Centaurea americana flower
Scientific classification Edit this classification
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

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

References

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


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