Iberian Star Thistle, Iberian knapweed

Centaurea iberica

Basic Information

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae

Genus: centaurea

Plant ID (slug): centaurea-iberica

Numeric ID: 22665

USDA Hardiness: 5-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Centaurea iberica is a BIENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

S.E. Europe to S.W. Asia.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Edible cooked[145, 177]. The part used is not specified.

Medicinal Uses

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Antibacterial and antifungal. Used in Turkish folk medicine to alleviate the pain and inflammatory symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis, high fever, headache, and for healing of wounds. In its native range, various uses in folk medicine are proving to have a scientific basis [1d].