Basketflower, American
(Centaurea americana)

American Basketflower gets its name from the appearance of the flower buds, which exhibit a basket weave pattern on them. It is a sturdy annual from AR, TX, OK, NM and AZ and is the only Centaurea native to North America. Plants grow up to four feet tall and look similar to thistles but lack the prickly spines. Flowers are up to four inches in diameter, have a sweet, honey-like fragrance and resemble Sweet Sultan. Flowers are great for cutting and drying, and songbirds and game birds will feast on the seeds. Many bees and butterflies visit the flowers for nectar. Recommended for roadsides, prairies, and meadow plantings. For the home garden, use in the back of borders, fragrant gardens, and pollinator gardens.