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Slender Centaury

Centaurium tenuiflorum

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Gentianales
Family:
Gentianaceae (Gentian)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Annual
Maximum Size:
35 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Fields, gardens, grassland, sea cliffs, seaside, wasteland.

Flower:
֍
White, 5 petals
 
Flowers appear in clusters. The star-shaped flowers are usually white but may be pink. The flowers are denser than those of the similar looking Lesser Centaury (Centaurium pulchellum).
Fruit:
The fruit is a 2-parted capsule.
Leaves:
The leaves are elliptical in shape, appearing in opposite pairs along the erect stem. The leaves each measure up to 2.5cm (1 inch) in length and 1cm wide. In the UK, Slender Centaury can be found at one location in Dorset which is below a grassy cliff.
Other Names:
Channel Centaury.
Frequency (UK):
Rarely seen  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Centaurium tenuiflorum, also known as slender centaury or slender centuary, is a species of flowering plant in the gentian family. It is native to Europe and Asia, and has been introduced to other parts of the world as a weed. The plant is known for its small, pink or white flowers and narrow leaves. It grows well in a variety of habitats, including fields, gardens, and waste areas. Centaurium tenuiflorum is a herbaceous plant that can grow up to 60 cm in height. It is commonly found in disturbed areas and is considered an invasive weed in some areas. The plant is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.

Blog

Slender Centaury (Centaurium tenuiflorum) is a type of flowering plant that belongs to the gentian family. This plant is native to Europe, but can also be found in other parts of the world, including North America and Asia.

Slender Centaury is a small plant that grows up to 50 cm tall and has delicate stems with leaves that are about 1 cm long. Its flowers are tiny and can range in color from pink to red or even yellow. The plant blooms from June to September, and its delicate, dainty flowers are a joy to see in the summer months.

Slender Centaury has been used for medicinal purposes for many centuries. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the plant could be used to cure ailments such as digestive problems and liver disease. Today, it is still used by some people to treat various health issues, including indigestion, heartburn, and digestive problems.

In addition to its medicinal properties, Slender Centaury is also a popular ornamental plant. Its delicate flowers make it an ideal choice for planting in rock gardens, meadows, and wildflower gardens. The plant is also a popular choice for creating naturalistic gardens, as it grows well in a variety of soils and climates.

Overall, Slender Centaury is a beautiful, delicate plant that is both practical and attractive. Whether you are looking for a remedy for digestive problems or simply want to add some beauty to your garden, this plant is definitely worth considering.

Slender Centaury is an incredibly versatile plant that is easy to grow and care for. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can also grow in partial shade. The plant is drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for areas that receive limited rainfall.

In terms of cultivation, Slender Centaury is a low-maintenance plant that requires very little attention. It can be propagated by seed, or by dividing clumps of existing plants in the spring. The plant is also very hardy, and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and conditions, making it a good choice for gardeners of all levels of experience.

One of the best things about Slender Centaury is that it is a valuable food source for many types of wildlife, including bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant's delicate flowers are rich in nectar, making them a valuable food source for pollinators. Additionally, the plant's seeds are a valuable source of food for many types of birds, including goldfinches, sparrows, and linnets.

In conclusion, Slender Centaury is a versatile and hardy plant that is well-suited to a wide range of gardening styles and conditions. Whether you are looking for a beautiful addition to your garden, or a low-maintenance plant that is beneficial for wildlife, Slender Centaury is definitely worth considering.

It is also important to note that Slender Centaury has a long history of use in traditional medicine and herbalism. The plant is believed to have anti-inflammatory, digestive, and diuretic properties, making it a valuable ingredient in many traditional remedies.

In traditional medicine, the plant was often used to treat digestive problems, such as indigestion and heartburn. It was also used to treat liver and gallbladder problems, and to promote healthy digestion. Additionally, Slender Centaury was believed to have a calming effect on the body, making it a useful ingredient in remedies for anxiety and stress.

Slender Centaury is still widely used in traditional medicine today, although its use is not widely supported by scientific evidence. If you are interested in using Slender Centaury for its medicinal properties, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional or herbalist, as the plant may interact with other medications or have side effects.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Slender Centaury is also widely used in the production of perfumes and essential oils. Its delicate, floral aroma makes it a popular ingredient in perfumes and other fragrances, and its essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy.

Finally, it is important to note that Slender Centaury is not only beneficial to humans, but it is also beneficial to the environment. The plant is an important food source for pollinators, and it helps to support a healthy and diverse ecosystem. Additionally, the plant is easy to grow and requires very little maintenance, making it a low-impact and sustainable choice for gardening and landscaping.

In conclusion, Slender Centaury is a versatile and valuable plant that has a long history of use in traditional medicine and herbalism. Whether you are interested in using it for its medicinal properties, its fragrance, or its environmental benefits, Slender Centaury is definitely worth considering.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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