Centaurea calcitrapa

Scientific profile

Centaurea calcitrapa is an archaeophyte that has been present in Great Britain since antiquity. It grows as a herbaceous, non‑woody plant with broad leaves, reaching a height of approximately 33 cm. The leaf area averages 1669 mm² and the diaspore mass is 2.3 mg. Flowering takes place between July and September. The species is primarily associated with sunny, dry habitats, but ecological indicator values suggest it also tolerates moderately moist, neutral to slightly acidic soils of medium fertility. It is typically found in habitats with low disturbance severity. It originates from Europe, Southwestern Europe, Eastern Europe, Africa and temperate Asia, and has long been established in the British Isles as an archaeophyte. Its conservation status has not been assessed in Great Britain.