Centaurea dealbata
Family: Compositae
Common names: HARDHEADS, KNAPWEED, STAR THISTLE
Native to: Caucasus
Plant
Type: perennial
Forms: erect, rosette, tufted
Max height: 3.3 feet
Max width: 2 feet
Flower
magenta/purple, pink
Leaf
green
Horticulture
Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species
Exposure: sun
Propagates by: seed
flowers in summer
Soil type: wide range
USDA Zones: zone 3 -40 f, zone 4 -30 f, zone 5 to -20 f, zone 6 to -10 f, zone 7 to 0 f, zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f
Temp. range: -40 to +30 °F
Water: moderate
Butterflies that feed on this plant
Centaurea, also called HARDHEADS, KNAPWEED, or STAR THISTLE, is a member of the Aster family, Compositae. There are 924 species in this genus of which six or more are cultivated. Of those Centaurea dealbata, macrocephala, and montana are cultivated perennials. They grow 3-3 ½ feet tall in Zones 3-9, prefer moderate watering, and flower in summer.
Centaurea dealbata is a cultivated perennial can be grown from seed, is grown in full sun, and can be grown in containers.
As a member of the Compositae family it will attract a long list of butterflies to feed. In particular, the following butterflies feed on Centaurea blossoms:
Hylephila phyleus, Fiery Skipper
Junonia coenia, Common Buckeye
Pyrgus communis, Common Checkered-Skipper
