SafePlants

Branched Centaury (Centaurium pulchellum)

Branched Centaury, also known as Lesser Centaury or Branching Centaury, is an annual herb belonging to the Gentian family (Gentianaceae).

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Centaurium pulchellum (Sw.) Druce
• Synonyms: Gentiana pulchella Sw., Centaurium tenuiflorum (Hoffm. &amp Link) Fritsch, Centaurium pulchellum Druce
• Family: Gentianaceae (Gentian Family)

Distribution and Habitat

Branched Centaury is native to Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It has also been introduced to North America. It is occasionally found in damp hollows, sandy ground in fields, dunes, and waste areas.

Morphological Characteristics

• Branched Centaury is an annual plant typically growing to a height of 3-8 inches (approximately 7.5-20 cm), though some sources mention heights up to 40-45cm.
• It exhibits an erect growth habit, branching occasionally.
• The stems, leaves, and calyx of the flowers have a greyish appearance.
• Leaves are smooth, stalkless, and elliptical or oblong in shape, ranging from 1-3 cm in length.
• The basal rosette is either not developed or only weakly developed.
• Flowers are pink to purplish, measuring 9 to 15 mm.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the plant's presence in fields and waste areas, suggesting potential exposure to domestic animals allowed to graze or roam freely.
• The size of the plant and the potential for small parts to be ingested may be a concern.

Considerations for Children

• The plant's presence in fields and waste areas, suggests potential exposure to children playing or exploring outdoors.
• The size of the plant and the potential for small parts to be ingested may be a concern.

Other Common Names

• Lesser Centaury
• Branching Centaury
• Slender Centaury
• Dwarf Branched Centaury

Further Information

For more information, you can consult resources such as:

• USDA PLANTS Database (Symbol: CEPU3)
• PlantNET Flora Online
• Discover Life
• EDDMapS (Distribution Maps)
• Dave's Garden