Botanical Name: Centaurea cyanus

Common Name:

English: Blue Cornflower
Also, known as: Bachelor Button Seeds, Blue Cap, Bluebow, Bluebottle, Hurtsickle, Aciano, Audifoin, Bachelor's Buttons, Barbeau, Bleuet, Bleuet des Champs, Bluebonnet, Bluebottle, Bluebow, Blue Cap, Blue Centaury, Casse-Lunettes, Centaurea cyanus, Centaurea segetum, Centaurée Bleue, Centaurée Bleuet, Corn Flower, Cyani Blossoms, Cyani Flos, Cyani Flowers, Cyani Petals, Flor Celeste, Hurtsickle.

Origin: Albania

Harvested: Wild

Part used: Flower

General Information:

Centaurea cyanus, the Cornflower, is an annual plant growing to 3 ft. by1 ft tall, with gray-green, branched stems and with its star-like blossoms of brilliant blue, is one of our most striking wild-flowers, though it is always looked on as an unwelcome weed by the farmer, for not only does it by its presence withdraw nourishment from the ground that is needed for the corn. The flowers are having both male and female organs and are pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera, self. The plant is self-fertile.

The leaves are lanceolate, 1–4 cm long. The flowers are most commonly an intense blue color, produced in flowerheads 1–3 cm diameter, with a ring of a few large, spreading ray florets surrounding a central cluster of disc florets. The blue pigment is pyocyanin, which in roses is red. It flowers all summer.

Cornflower is also grown for the cut flower industry in Canada for use by florists. The most common color variety for this use is a double blue variety. The blue cornflower has been the national flower of Estonia since 1968 and symbolizes daily bread to Estonians.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Cornflower Petals - Blue