Centaurea cyanus
Cornflower
Centaurea cyanus, commonly known as cornflower, is a striking annual herb celebrated for its vibrant blue blooms. Beyond its ornamental beauty, this botanical treasure has long been utilized in traditional medicine. It possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a valuable ally for supporting digestive and ocular health.
- Scientific name: Centaurea cyanus
- Family: Asteraceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Centaurea cyanus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Asterales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asteraceae and falls under the genus Centaurea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asterales | WCVP |
| Family | Asteraceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Centaurea | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Centaurea cyanus, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In Lebanese Arabic, it is known as Karblumm, while in Chinese, it is called 矢车菊 (zh-hans), 矢車菊 (zh-hant), 矢車菊 (zh-hk), or 矢车菊 (zh-cn).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| lb | Karblumm | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 矢车菊 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 矢車菊 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 矢車菊 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 矢车菊 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 矢车菊 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 矢車菊 | Wikidata |
| pl | chaber bławatek | Wikidata |
| hu | búzavirág | Wikidata |
| et | rukkilill | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Centaurea cyanus, exhibits a specific range across the northern reaches of the continent. Its distribution is clearly established throughout various regions of Northern Europe. Specifically, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Denmark and Finland. The species is also documented within the territories of Great Britain and Ireland. Furthermore, its presence extends into the northernmost reaches of Norway.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as the cornflower, is a beautiful species where various elements contribute to its botanical profile. The entire organism is categorized among various annual herbs, characterized by its slender stems and vibrant foliage. The most striking feature of the plant is its bright blue flowers, which are organized into complex, showy inflorescents that attract pollinators. Once the blooming period concludes, the plant produces small seeds that facilitate the next generation of growth. While much of its aesthetic value lies above ground, the roots serve as the essential foundation, anchoring the plant and absorbing necessary nutrients from the soil.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| roots | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| inflorescents | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| herbs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Centaurea cyanus has 9 reported phytochemicals identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Sesquiterpenes, caryophyllene, centcyamine, cis-centcyamine, cis-moschamine.
- Total chemicals
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Sesquiterpenes | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| caryophyllene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| centcyamine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cis-centcyamine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cis-moschamine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| delta-cadinene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| moschamine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |