Mountain Cornflower

(Centaurea montana)

Mountain Cornflower (Centaurea montana)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Centaurea montana, commonly known as Mountain Cornflower, is a deciduous perennial herb native to meadows and open woodlands in Western Europe. This plant typically grows to 30–70 centimeters (12–28 inches) tall and produces striking blue-purple flowers from May to August, with the outermost ray florets being particularly showy. The foliage is mainly basal with occasional entire leaves up the stem, adding to its textured appearance in the garden.

Mountain Cornflower is valued for its vibrant blue flowers, which add a splash of color to borders and wildflower gardens. It is relatively easy to maintain and can regenerate from root fragments, making it a resilient choice for gardeners. It is suitable for sunny to partially shaded areas and can thrive under deciduous trees, taking advantage of the light in winter and early spring. It is adaptable to a range of soil types, from light sand to heavy clay, and pH levels from acid to very alkaline. While drought-tolerant, it does not fare well in waterlogged conditions. In cultivation, it prefers part shade to full sun, with low to medium water requirements, and soils with medium drainage. However, gardeners should be cautious as Centaurea montana can be invasive outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Meadows and open woodlands in Western Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Mountain Bluet , Perennial Cornflower , Perennial Bachelor’s Button , Mountain-Bluet , Mountain Knapweed , Bjerg-Knopurt , Berg-Flockenblume , Centaurée Des Montagnes , Bergcentaurie , Bergklint

Scientific Names: Centaurea montana , Cyanus montanus , Centaurea montana subsp. montana , Centaurea seusana , Centaurea angustifolia , Centaurea montana var. alba , Centaurea montana var. montana , Centaurea graminifolia , Centaurea montana subsp. angustifolia , Centaurea cyanantha

GBIF Accepted Name: Centaurea montana L.