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Centaurea orientalis

Scientific Name: Centaurea orientalis

Family: Asteraceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Centaurea orientalis - Yellow Knapweed

Centaurea orientalis, commonly known as Yellow Knapweed or Oriental Knapweed (Orient Flockenblume), is a striking perennial flower prized for its bright yellow petals that emerge from unique, papery tan or brown, cone-shaped buds.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant produces intricate, shiny buds and open stems.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant produces intricate, shiny buds and open stems.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Centaurea orientalis L.
  • Common Names: Yellow Knapweed, Oriental Knapweed, Yellow Cornflower, Orient Flockenblume
  • Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)
  • Kingdom: (Implied) Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names:
    • Acrocentron orientale (L.) .Lve &amp D.Lve
    • Centaurea orientalis subsp. orientalis
    • Centaurea rigidifolia Besser ex DC.
    • Centaurea rubescens Besser ex DC.
    • Jacea laciniata fl. luteo magno, sqvamis albis ciliaribus (historical)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Central and Eastern Europe and Russia.
  • Found in mesoxeric forest-steppe grassland environments.
  • Specifically noted as a splendid and typical species for the Pontic forest-steppe. Common in the eastern half of some countries but rare in certain regions like Banat and Transylvania.
  • Also present in Belgium.

Ecological Role

  • Attracts pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
  • Serves as a honey bee nectar plant.
  • May be considered invasive in some regions (Belgium).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Perennial plant with bright yellow petals.
  • Flowers emerge from brown, papery buds.
  • Sulphur yellow fluffy blooms appear in late summer.
  • Grows to approximately 2 feet tall with open stems.
  • Forms a clumping habit, reaching about 1 foot wide.
  • Prefers full sun in meadows.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Attracts bees and butterflies, making it beneficial for pollinator gardens.
  • Mentioned in relation to the Yellow Starthistle Bud Weevil (B. orientalis), although the context suggests differing interactions.

Further Information

  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) offers information.
  • Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service.
  • Flora Europaea.
  • Encyclopedia of Life.
  • The Plant List.
  • IPNI (International Plant Names Index).
  • NYBG (New York Botanical Garden) Virtual Herbarium.

Quirky Facts

  • The genus name Centaurea is derived from the Greek word 'Kentaur' (Centaur), referring to the mythical winged horses believed to use these plants.