Centaurea sadleriana, commonly known as Pannonian knapweed, is a perennial herb native to the Pannonian Basin, which spans parts of Eastern Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. This plant typically grows up to 7 feet tall and is characterized by its thistle-like appearance with purple or pinkish flower heads that bloom from May to late October. The flowers are quite showy and attract a variety of pollinators. In its native habitat, Pannonian knapweed is adapted to open grasslands, meadows, and steppes with well-drained loess and sandy soils.

Pannonian knapweed is valued for its long flowering season and its ability to thrive in dry, infertile conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used in wildflower meadows, borders, and as a part of pollinator-friendly gardens. This plant prefers full sun and can tolerate drought, requiring minimal maintenance once established. While not yet endangered, it is protected in Hungary and recognized for its conservation importance on the European Red List of Endangered Plants. Gardeners should be aware that, like other Centaurea species, it can potentially become invasive outside its native range and should be monitored to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0