Centaurea cyanus

Centaurea cyanus is an annual flowering plant in the daisy family, native to Europe and widely known as cornflower or bachelor’s button.

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Asteraceae: A large family of flowering plants whose small florets are grouped into flower heads. The cornflower’s flower head and floral anatomy are characteristic of this family.
Cut flower: A flower cultivated or harvested for display in a vase or floral arrangement. Cornflower stems are used in fresh and dried arrangements.
Agricultural intensification: The increased use of inputs and technologies to raise agricultural production per unit of land. Herbicides and intensive crop management have reduced cornflower populations in farmland.
Blue cornflower: The vivid blue-flowered form of Centaurea cyanus, widely grown as an ornamental plant. Blue florets are the species’ best-known appearance and common garden form.
Centaurea: A genus of flowering plants in the daisy family, including knapweeds and cornflowers. The cornflower is one species in this diverse genus.
Companion planting: The practice of growing different plant species together to influence growth or attract beneficial organisms. Cornflowers can be included in mixed plots to provide flowers for insects.
Arable flora: Wild plant species that grow in cultivated fields and other arable habitats. Cornflower is a familiar member of the wild flora associated with European cropland.
Cornflower blue: A medium-to-dark blue color named after the characteristic hue of cornflower petals. The species gave its name to this recognizable shade of blue.
Flower head: A compact cluster of flowers that functions visually as a single flower. What appears to be one cornflower bloom is a head composed of individual florets.
Edible flower: A flower considered suitable for consumption as part of food or drink. Cornflower florets are used as colorful garnishes and in herbal tea blends.