![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/2Npj3OWG0KSBCFoRyX6f4P/ae76fef5d02a09db610bdd9e10ceb925/cornflower_01.jpg?fm=webp&w=1080&q=85)
Cornflower
Centaurea cyanus
Importance
Member of the Compositae and a less frequently found arable weed. Prefers light sandy soils. Widely sown in wild-flower mixtures in fields and margins.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/N7bXfGZGl9RRYXYmlyYL5/11f06529b6dc660c38c1b5d95e397909/cornflower_01.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
1. Large, broad oval cotyledon, approx. 15 mm long, tapering towards the petiole, with recognisable midrib. Autumn-germinator.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/61mQ3yw75MRNrP3IffgaOu/533cd7d149c9875f86fa4eaccd697240/cornflower_0344.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
2. Slender-lanceolate downy haired leaves.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/4BqgHnpZweENEbpTv7y7tF/41091f279537acc7be20823a29b16174/cornflower_0580.jpg?fm=webp&w=1920&q=85)
3. Bright blue terminal flowers.
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/1h0qvud54Zy9GzLekPOd5R/677728ff5c36c4492f44e69e75b97e83/FieldMate_Promo_Mobile.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3CvKagUshwoSyxEDqRj52c/bd6e3be09e808d22cf4c4c324b6d4ac7/FieldMate_Promo_Desktop.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)
![](https://images.ctfassets.net/l2hapltrg3cz/3CvKagUshwoSyxEDqRj52c/bd6e3be09e808d22cf4c4c324b6d4ac7/FieldMate_Promo_Desktop.jpg?fm=webp&w=3840&q=85)