Centaurea americana (American Basketflower)

Centaurea americana (American Basketflower) is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is belonged to the Centaurea family, the flower is well-known among natural enthusiasts because of its unique appearance.

The plant is native to central and eastern North America and is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and along roadsides. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is tolerant of drought and heat.

The plant is a biennial or short-lived perennial that can grow up to 2-6 feet (0.6-1.8 meters) tall. The stem is erect and branching, and the leaves are gray-green, deeply lobed, and up to 8 inches (20 cm) long. The flowers are produced in large, spherical, basket-like structures up to 5 inches (13 cm) in diameter, with each basket containing dozens of small, tubular florets.

The flowers of American basketflower are typically blue-purple, but can also be white or pink. They bloom from mid-summer to early fall and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

American basketflower has been used for medicinal purposes by some indigenous peoples, and the young leaves and stems are edible when cooked. The plant is also grown as an ornamental in gardens and is sometimes used in floral arrangements.