Centaurium erythraea, commonly known as common centaury, is a biennial herb that is native to grasslands, meadows, and open areas in Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, and has been naturalized in North America, New Zealand, and eastern Australia. It typically reaches up to 20 inches in height and features clusters of star-shaped, pinkish-lavender flowers that bloom from June to September, attracting pollinators. The plant has a rosette of basal leaves and erect, branching stems, which give it a delicate appearance in its natural setting.

Common centaury is valued for its medicinal properties, as it contains phenolic acids and glycosides that have been traditionally used to treat gastric and liver diseases. In cultivation, it is often grown in herb gardens and used in traditional medicine preparations. It prefers full sun to part shade and thrives in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. While it is not commonly used for ornamental purposes, its dainty flowers can add a touch of color to wildflower meadows or informal garden settings. Gardeners should note that common centaury may require some maintenance to prevent it from spreading too widely.CC BY-SA 4.0