Cornflower

The blue flowers of Cornflower appear in June and by early July are soon gone, as can be seen in this photograph.

Species: Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

Family: Asters (ASTERACEAE or COMPOSITAE)

Category: Flowering Plants

Location: NW

A = Species Category, B = Species Family, C = Species

A. Flowering Plants

More extensive information on flowering plants can be found in a separate blog post.

B. Asters (ASTERACEAE or COMPOSITAE)

This is one of the largest worldwide flowering plant families and is well represented in the UK. The name Compositae refers to the clustering of the flowers (called florets) into compact heads, so that an entire cluster represents a single 'flower'. They also have one-seeded fruits called achenes.

C. Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)

This native species was introduced into the cemetery. Modern agricultural practices and chemicals have caused its demise. The blue flowers appear in June. The leaves are pinnately lobed.

The Cornflower is classed as a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species. It is also listed as a species of principal importance in the Natural Environment & Rural Communities Act 2006 Section 41, May 2014, and it is listed on the Sussex Rare Species Inventory

A = Species Category, B = Species Family, C = Species

Images

The blue flowers of Cornflower appear in June and by early July are soon gone, as can be seen in this photograph. The leaves are pinnately lobed.

Cornflower

The Cornflower is a native species that was introduced into the cemetery.