Basket flower, also known by its scientific name Centaurea americana, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. Native to North America, this herbaceous annual is typically found in prairies, open woodlands, and along roadsides. It is distinguished by its distinctive basket-shaped flowers, which give the plant its common name.
The basket flower is characterized by an erect stem that reaches heights of one to three feet. The lance-shaped leaves are deeply lobed and have a grayish-green color, providing an attractive backdrop to the vibrant flowers. The flower heads are composed of numerous tubular florets that are arranged in a tightly packed, cone-shaped structure known as a capitulum. The outer florets are usually lavender or purple in color, while the inner florets are often cream or white.
Blooming from late spring to early summer, the basket flower attracts an array of pollinators, including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. The flowers not only serve as a visual spectacle but also emit a pleasant fragrance. After pollination, the flowers produce small, black seeds that are dispersed by wind or attaching to animal fur.
Due to its showy and striking appearance, the basket flower is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. It prefers full sun and well-drained soils, making it suitable for borders, rock gardens, or wildflower meadows. In addition to its aesthetic value, the basket flower has been assigned medicinal properties in traditional herbal medicine, including treating digestive disorders and stimulating appetite.
