Monday, June 28, 2010

Centaurea macrocephala

I have a problem remembering the name of this plant, which is so cool. Before it opens I think it looks like a brain. The common name is American Basket flower .

It is native to Europe and the Middle East, and has been grown since ancient times. It may have been used in medicine, and legend has it that it healed a wound in the foot of Chiron, the wisest of all centaurs and mentor of Hercules. It is a perennial, the stems grow about 5 feet tall and they don't flop over, which is why I grow it. The flowers in my yard know not to flop over, they will get whacked off.

Happy Monday, everyone. I finished a witch yesterday and two Uncle Sams just in time for the Fourth.

1 comment:

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Oh my are you starting to prepare for Halloween already? I love uncle sams they are always cheerful. Red white and blue are my favorite summer colors