Corn flower is part of the Asteraceae family. The name cornflower was derived because the flower often occurs in grain fields such as corn, rye or wheat.
In ancient Egypt, the cornflower was regarded as a symbol for life and fertility, most likely because the flower grows with grains and because it carries the same color as the blue lotus.
The latin name is Centaurea cyanus. It is one of the favorite foods of the European goldfinch. It attracts a beneficial wasp called microplitis. This wasp lays eggs on the larvae of the cabbage moth, and other caterpillars and insects and then the caterpillar will dehydrate as it is essentially eaten from the inside out.. kind of morbid huh?
So planting cornflowers as a companion plant with your cabbages and other veggies makes total sense!
The nectar of the cornflower is very sweet. It has a sugar content of 34%. Because of the abundant sugar production, the cornflower is a favorite among beekeepers.
The flowers of the cornflower are edible! You can eat them raw, cooked or dried. You can use the dried flowers as a method to add color to food. Fresh petals can be added to oils or cheese, salads, drinks, desserts etc. You can also make tea with them.
As an herbal medicine, you can make an extract or a tea with the flowers and then you can apply compresses soaked in this extract to your eyes to reduce inflammation.
The cornflower has been used widely by different european countries as a symbol from military uniforms, and as a secret symbol. Today, cornflower forms the symbol for hope for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and MND (Motor neurone disease) patients.
“Blue cornflowers are the international symbol for the fight against ALS,” Bedlack said. “Like patients with ALS, they look fragile, but they’re surprisingly strong. They can maintain their beautiful blue color even through the harshest of winters.”
Corporate Duke Health
Cornflowers are beautiful in fields, where they form a blanket of the prettiest blue you will ever see! I have some growing in my pollinator tub, and I am drying them for teas. The dried petals retain their color! i also a have pink variety of cornflowers growing, which is pretty as a combination with the blue ones.
Pick up some bachelor’s button seeds at Mary’s heirloom seeds, sow, and enjoy them together with your birds and pollinators, and show your support for those fighting ALS and MND as well. I cannot think of any reasons not to grow this wonderful flower!
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only, and should not be considered as medical advice as I am not a doctor. Before trying to utilize this as a treatment, I recommend that you please check with a certified medical professional who is specialized in herbal medicine since it could potentially interact with other medicines and conditions, with that said, overall, this is a great herb to grow!
Inga’s Creations 