Centaurea americana [white]

Also Known As

Centaurea americana 'White'
American Basketflower
American Starthistle
Powderpuff Thistle
White Basket Flower

Plant type

annual / biennial

size

H: 3'-4'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

1-12

Centaurea americana [white] plant details

Centaurea americana [white] is a broadleaf deciduous annual / biennial with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - occasional water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Centaurea americana [white]

Plant type: annual / biennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, native plant, showy

GROWING CONDITIONS for Centaurea americana [white]

USDA Zones: 1 - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - occasional
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A just plain wonderful native annual flower with large (4”) fluffy flowers that tickle your nose as you bend to inhale the sweet honey-like scent. Named for the straw colored bracts encasing the buds that are as intricately patterned as the etchings on Acoma pottery. Its branching habit produces many white flowers with cream centers in succession throughout midsummer and fall. A lovely cut flower too. Fertile, well-drained, alkaline soils best, with low water needs once established.