Zeltnera exaltata, commonly known as Desert Centaury, is an annual herb that is native to a variety of habitats in western North America, including grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands, ranging from British Columbia to Arizona and east to Nebraska. It typically grows up to 14 inches tall and prefers moist areas with alkaline soils. Desert Centaury has a slender, erect form and bears clusters of small, star-shaped flowers that are white to pink in color, blooming from late spring to early fall. The flowers are modest in size but can be quite numerous, creating a delicate display.

Desert Centaury is valued for its ability to adapt to various conditions and is often used in wildflower gardens and restoration projects. It is particularly useful for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun to part shade and tolerating drought once established. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot in overly wet conditions. Desert Centaury is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems, making it a friendly choice for gardeners. It is not typically used for culinary or medicinal purposes, and there is no evidence of it being invasive when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0