Fauna
Flower

Cornflower

Centaurea cyanus

Also known as Bachelor's Button, Bluebottle, Boutonniere Flower, Cyani Flower

Cornflowers feature intense, electric-blue blossom heads composed of ringed disc and ray florets that stand atop slender, branching stems. Once a ubiquitous weed across European grain fields, intensive modern agriculture and heavy herbicide use drastically reduced wild populations in its native range. Today, these hardy annuals are widely cultivated in gardens and wildflower mixes, providing a vital source of nectar for bees and butterflies from late spring through summer.

AnnualFloweringPollinator Magnet
Cornflower reference1 / 7
(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Herbivorous Insects
  • Slugs
  • Rabbits
ThreatsAgricultural intensification, herbicide use, habitat loss
HabitatsAgricultural fields, grasslands, disturbed soil, wildflower meadows
Life span1 year (Annual)
Classification
  1. OrderAsterales
  2. FamilyAsteraceae
  3. GenusCentaurea
  4. SpeciesCentaurea cyanus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Best Viewing: Look for full blooms during warm, sunny summer mornings when nectar production peaks.
  • Garden Planting: Sow seeds directly in well-drained soil and full sun for vibrant displays.
  • Wildlife Care: Leave dried flower heads standing in autumn to provide seeds for goldfinches.
Related species
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