Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Asterales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
alba
ID:
116655

Status:
valid

Authors:
L.

Source:
gcc

Year:
1753

Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl. : 914 (1753)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000115984

Common Names

  • Centaurea alba
  • White Centaury
  • White Knapweed

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Synonyms

  • Centaurea calva Reut. ex Nyman [unknown]
  • Centaurea alba alba [unknown]

Description

Centaurea alba (also called White Knapweed, among many other common names) is a perennial plant native to Europe and North Africa. It grows in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands, and has a basal rosette of leaves with toothed margins. The leaves are lance-shaped and the flowers are yellow and borne in clusters.

Uses & Benefits

Centaurea alba is used for its medicinal properties to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, colds, and headaches. It is also used as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Centaurea alba sub. maluqueri (Font Quer) Molero & Vigo
Centaurea alba sub. macrocephala (Pau) Talavera
Centaurea alba sub. subciliaris (Boiss. & Heldr. ex Boiss.) Dostál
Centaurea alba sub. alba
Centaurea alba sub. costae (Willk.) Dostál
Centaurea alba sub. strepens (Hoffmanns. & Link) Rocha Afonso
Centaurea alba sub. tartesiana Talavera
Centaurea alba sub. ciliata (Font Quer ex O.Bolòs & Vigo) Greuter
Centaurea alba sub. brunnea (Halácsy) Dostál
Centaurea alba sub. latronum (Pau) Dostál
Centaurea alba sub. montsicciana (Pau & Font Quer) Romo
Centaurea alba sub. aristifera (Pau ex Vicioso) E.López & Devesa
Centaurea alba sub. albanica (Halácsy) Dostál

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Centaurea alba is a white, daisy-like flower with yellow centers. The seed is a small, dark brown, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, with a single stem and small, dark green leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Centaurea alba is a perennial herb that grows best in full sun and well-drained soils. It can be propagated by seed or cuttings. For seed propagation, the seeds should be sown in a light, well-drained soil mix and kept moist until germination. For cuttings, take cuttings from the current season's growth and place in a light, well-drained soil mix. Keep the cuttings moist until they have rooted.

Where to Find Centaurea alba

Centaurea alba is native to Europe and can be found in areas with dry, rocky soils. It is typically found in open woodlands, scrublands, and grasslands.

Centaurea alba FAQ

What is the scientific name of Centaurea alba?

Centaurea alba

What is the common name of Centaurea alba?

White Star-thistle

Where is Centaurea alba native to?

Europe

Species in the Centaurea genus

Centaurea pseudomaculosa, Centaurea spicata, Centaurea loscosii, Centaurea triniifolia, Centaurea gadorensis, Centaurea messenicolasiana, Centaurea werneri, Centaurea grisebachii, Centaurea noguerensis, Centaurea papposa, Centaurea vermiculigera, Centaurea saxicola, Centaurea linifolia, Centaurea antitauri, Centaurea lactiflora, Centaurea vavilovii, Centaurea aplolepa, Centaurea sphaerocephala, Centaurea integrans, Centaurea ognjanoffii, Centaurea stevenii, Centaurea centauroides, Centaurea pinnata, Centaurea aeolica, Centaurea cankiriensis, Centaurea ebenoides, Centaurea ceratophylla, Centaurea simonkaiana, Centaurea rothmaleriana, Centaurea chalcidicaea, Centaurea pinnatifida, Centaurea nervosa, Centaurea foveolata, Centaurea elbrusensis, Centaurea triumfettii, Centaurea hermanni, Centaurea djebel-amouri, Centaurea chrysantha, Centaurea monticola, Centaurea melitensis, Centaurea affinis, Centaurea kizildaghensis, Centaurea filiformis, Centaurea scillae, Centaurea vatevii, Centaurea sterilis, Centaurea handelii, Centaurea androssovii, Centaurea litardierei, Centaurea oxylepis,

Species in the Asteraceae family

Aaronsohnia pubescens, Aaronsohnia factorovskyi, Abrotanella filiformis, Abrotanella rostrata, Abrotanella linearis, Abrotanella trilobata, Abrotanella muscosa, Abrotanella inconspicua, Abrotanella trichoachaenia, Abrotanella caespitosa, Abrotanella nivigena, Abrotanella pusilla, Abrotanella linearifolia, Abrotanella papuana, Abrotanella rosulata, Abrotanella emarginata, Abrotanella fertilis, Abrotanella spathulata, Abrotanella purpurea, Abrotanella patearoa, Abrotanella submarginata, Abrotanella diemii, Abrotanella scapigera, Abrotanella forsterioides, Acamptopappus shockleyi, Acamptopappus sphaerocephalus, Acanthocephalus benthamianus, Acanthocephalus amplexifolius, Acanthocladium dockeri, Acanthodesmos distichus, Acanthodesmos gibarensis, Acanthospermum humile, Acanthospermum consobrinum, Acanthospermum glabratum, Acanthospermum microcarpum, Acanthospermum hispidum, Acanthospermum australe, Acanthospermum lecocarpoides, Acanthostyles buniifolius, Acanthostyles saucechicoensis, Achillea buiana, Achillea conrathii, Achillea cucullata, Achillea styriaca, Achillea clavennae, Achillea cappadocica, Achillea huber-morathii, Achillea ptarmicoides, Achillea sieheana, Achillea barrelieri,

References