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charming centaury

Scientific Name: Centaurium venustum

Family: Gentianaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Zeltnera venusta

Zeltnera venusta is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family (Gentianaceae) known by several common names.

Common Names:

  • California Centaury
  • Charming Centaury
  • Canchalagua
  • Beautiful Centaury

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:

  • Scientific Name: Zeltnera venusta (A. Gray) G. Mans.
  • Family: Gentianaceae (Gentian Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Centaurium venustum (A. Gray) B.L. Rob.
    • Centaurium venustum (A. Gray) Robinson (not an active name)
    • Centaurium venustum ssp. venustum (A. Gray) B.L. Rob.

Morphology and Growth:

  • Zeltnera venusta is a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
  • It is an annual plant.
  • Height ranges from 1.25 to 20 inches.
  • The flowers are star-shaped with a corolla throat that is white and lobes that are generally rose-purple, measuring 10-20 mm.
  • Flowers are typically pink to rose-colored. A white specimen with a "color break" has been observed.

Distribution and Habitat:

  • The plant can grow up to approximately 6000 feet in elevation.
  • It is found in California, including Sonoma County (Lake Sonoma Area), Sierra Nevada, Salinas, Pt. Lobos, near Bunnel Point and slabs southeast of Florence Lake.

Additional Information:

  • Discover Life provides a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Centaurium venustum (Charming Centaury).
  • CalPhotos provides images of Zeltnera venusta.