Centaurea cyanus / Cornflower / Bachelor’s button / Bluebottle / Boutonniere flower / Hurtsickle / Cyani flower – all represent a small annual flowering plant, native to Europe in the family of Asteraceae.

It grows from 16 – 35 inches in height and has grey-green branched stems. The flowers are of an intense blue color. A ring of a few large, spreading ray florets surround a central cluster of disc florets. The blue pigment is protocyanin.

Fields growing grains such as wheat, barley, rye, or oats are known as corn fields in the UK. In the past this plant often grew in the crop fields as a weed. Hence its name as corn flower.

It is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens. Several cultivars have varying pastel colors, including pink and purple. Centaurea is also grown for the cut flower industry in Canada for use by florists.

The most common color variety for this use is a doubled blue variety such as ‘Blue Boy’ or ‘Blue Diadem’. White, pink, lavender and black (actually a very dark maroon) are also used but less commonly.

It is also occasionally used as a culinary ornament. Cornflowers have been used and prized historically for their blue pigment. Cornflowers are often used as an ingredient in some tea blends and tisanes.

Wild cornflower floral water is produced in Provence, France. It is obtained by steam distillation which can be used as a natural mild astringent and antiseptic to prevent eye infections as well as an alcohol-free natural toner.

Cornflowers germinate quickly after planting. The cornflower is the official flower of France. It flowers from June until August. The cornflower is considered a useful weed. Is edible flowers are used to add lovely color to salads.