These are the cornflowers and knapweeds, with very characteristic composite heads of long-petalled outer, sterile, florets and a boss of shorter, fertile florets. This array is surrounded by neatly overlapping bracts, hairy at the upper edge. There are hundreds of species of Centaurea in Europe, so identification is often difficult.

Centaurea jacea is a 'cornflower' with typical scaly brown bracts at the base of numerous soft lavender petals, which are feathery. It's like a thistle but without the spikes! A wonderful addition to the wild-flower bed, and ideal for attracting flying insects.