Common name: Mountain bluet

Size, form, texture: medium size, 2 ft height,

Hardiness, origin, native ecology: very successful in this climate, problematic only in dry areas like Oregon and California. Z 3-8, attracts birds and pollinators.

Bud, foliage, flower and fruit characteristics: large, showy violet blue flowers in late spring, very attractive black outline bracts (characteristic of centaurea). Bracts at base of flower protects buds, hairy edges of flower, leafy and robust foliage, composite flowers. Blooms for four weeks or more, attractive green leafy foliage when not in bloom, blooms in late spring and early fall.

Cultural and maintenance requirements and appropriate uses in the landscape: can be cut back after bloom to freshen foliage, low maintenance, easy to grow, likes full to part sun, can tolerate hot dry sites, normal soil conditions. Nice in border, good for cut flowers, distinct and unique.