Common centaury Centaurium erythraea
Table of Contents
A low-growing plant of windswept sand dunes, heathland and grassy areas, Keep an eye out for the delicate pink flowers, that are in bloom throughout the summer months.
Plant family: Gentianaceae
Aliases: Bitter herb, blood-wort, fever-wort
Flowering period: June – September
Flower colour: Pink
Preferred soil type: Free draining, calcareous
Habitat: Grassland, heathland, sand dunes, cliff tops
Status: Common
General information
Common centaury, scientifically known as Centaurium erythraea, is an annual flowering plant that belongs to the gentian family (Gentianaceae). It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. It’s often found in dry, grassy meadows, heathlands, open woodlands, sand dunes and coastal sites.
It grows to height of 25cm and prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. The plant has cultural and folkloric significance in some regions, and has been mentioned in literature and herbal folklore throughout history.
Identification
Flowers: The small, star-shaped pink flowers are bourn in clusters on the end of the stems. Each flower produces 5 petals, which typically measure between 1 – 2cm in diameter. They bloom between June and September.
Leaves: Common centaury has lance-shaped leaves (between 1 – 4cm in length) that are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem.
Value for wildlife
Bees, butterflies and hoverflies are attracted the common centaury as they visit to feed on the rich source of nectar.
Uses for common centaury
Common centaury has a history of use in traditional medicine as a digestive tonic. It has been believed to stimulate appetite and aid in digestion.
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