Mountain Knapweed

(Centaurea montana)

Native to the Mediterranean region, this robust plant can be found here in valleys and at altitudes of up to 2,000 metres. In sunny locations, it is a favourite with insects such as bumblebees and bees. In folk medicine, it is used to treat headaches and digestive problems.

Appearance:

• Upright growth up to 50 (max. 80) cm
• Rootstock sometimes sprouts runners
  
  

Flowering:

• Blooms from May to August – Flower is composed of numerous sweet-smelling tubular flowers
• The inner flowers are hermaphrodite, reddish to purple with a purple pistil
• Enlarged marginal flowers are sterile and blue-rayed

Flower visitors:

• Bumblebees
• Leafcutter bees
• Honey bees