Centaurium pulchellum is a distinctive wildflower belonging to the Gentianaceae or gentian family. Also known as Branched Centaury, this plant is native to Europe and western Asia and has been introduced to many parts of the United States, including Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Virginia.
It has also been introduced to Canada in the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Ontario.
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Centaurium pulchellum produces delicate pink or white flowers with five lobes that are clustered at the end of the plant. We like it because it is easy to identify, even in the wild. It grows best in moist soil with full or partial sun and can be found in meadows and fields, along roadsides and hedgerows.
Centaurium pulchellum is an ideal addition to any wildflower lover’s garden. With its unique blooms, it will add color and beauty to your garden. It’s a great choice for those who want to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, as well as help conserve native habitats. So if you’re looking to add some unique beauty to your wildflower garden, consider planting Centaurium pulchellum.
Centaurium pulchellum Information
| Family | Gentianaceae |
| Common Names | Branched Centaury |
| Introduced to USA | CO, CT, DE, IA, IL, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MS, NE, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SD, TX, VA VT, WI, WY |
| Introduce to Canada | NB, NS, ON, QC |
| Size | About 1 foot |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Centaurium pulchellum edible?
No, Centaurium pulchellum is not edible and should not be eaten by humans.
Is Centaurium pulchellum an invasive species?
Centaurium pulchellum is not an invasive species. It was introduced to Texas and several other states in the USA, as well as parts of Canada, but it is considered to be a native wildflower that has adapted naturally to its environment.