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charming centaury

Scientific Name: Centaurium venustum ssp. venustum

Family: Gentianaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Zeltnera venusta: The Charming Centaury

Zeltnera venusta, commonly known as California centaury, charming centaury, or canchalagua, is a captivating flowering plant belonging to the gentian family.

Common Names

  • California Centaury
  • Charming Centaury
  • Canchalagua
  • Beautiful Centaury

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Zeltnera venusta (A. Gray) G. Mans.
  • Synonyms:
    • Centaurium venustum (A. Gray) B.L. Rob.
    • Centaurium venustum ssp. venustum (A. Gray) B.L. Rob.
  • Family: Gentianaceae (Gentian Family)
  • Note: The plant was formerly classified under the genus Centaurium.

Morphology and Growth

  • Zeltnera venusta is an annual forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant that completes its life cycle in one year.
  • It typically reaches a height of 1.25 to 20 inches.
  • The flowers are star-shaped with a corolla throat that is white.
  • The flower lobes are generally rose-purple, measuring 10-20 mm.

Distribution and Habitat

  • This plant is found in California, including locations like Sonoma County, the Lake Sonoma Area, Salinas, and near Florence Lake.
  • It grows at elevations up to 6000 feet, including areas near Bunnel Point and in the Sierra Nevada.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens, including seeds and plants.
  • Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Centaurium venustum.
  • CalPhotos provides a collection of photographs of Zeltnera venusta.