Cornflower (Bachelor's Button)

wildflower · European plant · blue beauty

Named for cornfields. Cornflowers got their name because they grew as weeds mixed in with corn crops across Europe. Farmers didn't always mind because the bright blue flowers were so pretty.

Striking bright blue. These flowers are famous for their deep, intense blue color, which is why they became popular garden plants. The blue is so distinctive that it's sometimes called 'cornflower blue' in paints and fabrics.

Also called bachelor's button. The common name 'bachelor's button' might come from the fact that single men used to wear the flowers in their buttonholes. It was a romantic tradition in old Europe.

Blooms for months. Cornflowers are annual plants, meaning they live for just one growing season, but they flower for a long time from spring through summer. If you plant them, you'll get months of colorful blooms.

Member of daisy family. Cornflowers belong to the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies, sunflowers, and asters. This huge family has over 32,000 species around the world.