Centaurea dealbata

Taxobox
name= "Centaurea dealbata"

---

image_width = 220px
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Asterales
familia = Asteraceae
tribus = Cynareae
genus = "Centaurea"
species = "C. dealbata"
binomial = "Centaurea dealbata"
binomial_authority = Willd.

"Centaurea dealbata" (the Persian Cornflower or Whitewash Cornflower) is a species of "Centaurea" native to the Caucasus Mountains. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental perennial.

Description

The flowers of "C. dealbata" resemble those of "C. americana" in color and form; the composite inflorescence has rosy outer florets shading to cream in the center of the 2 in. disk, surrounded by scaly bracts on a slender peduncle 18 to 24 in. long. The blooming period is in early summer.

"C. dealbata" is most noteworthy for its leaves. Like those of "C. moschata" they are divided, but unlike the latter the division is quite regular. The underside of the leaves is covered in silver hairs.

Cultivation

"C. dealbata" is widely cultivated as an ornamental, though it is not as well-known as some other members of the genus. It is widely adaptable and drought tolerant. The flowers attract butterflies and bees. It self-seeds to a degree.

The variety 'Steenbergii' is recognized, and several cultivars are available.

Sources tracking weed species generally classify it as a "casual alien"; that is, it escapes from gardens but is not invasive. In some areas of the United States it has naturalized.

References

*cite web
title= Centaurea dealbata
url= http://msuplants.com/pd.asp?pid=2352
first = Jesse |last = Saylor
publisher = Michigan State University
accessdate = 2008-06-07
*cite web
title = Global Compendium of Weeds: Centaurea dealbata
url = http://www.hear.org/gcw/species/centaurea_dealbata/
publisher = Hawaiian Ecosystems at Risk project
accessdate = 2008-06-07
*cite web
url = http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CEDE15
title = PLANTS Profile for Centaurea dealbata
publisher = United States Department of Agriculture
accessdate = 2008-06-07
*cite web
url = http://www.perennials.com/seeplant.html?item=1.125.030
title = Heritage Perennial Profile: Centaurea dealbata
publisher = perennials.com
accessdate = 2008-06-07