Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Asteraceae

Genus:

Centaurea

Species:

Centaurea aspera

USDA Symbol:

CEAS2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Biennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

pink, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, butterflies

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to Mediterranean regions; prefers dry, open habitats

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–28 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment at 15-20°C.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI