Centaury - Feverwort (Centaurium erythraea)

Family: Gentianaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Centaurium erythraea is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from June to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavouring in bitter herbal liqueurs and is an ingredient of vermouth. — The plant is used as a flavouring in bitter herbal liqueurs and is an ingredient of vermouth.

Habitat & North American Range

Open woods, meadows and dry grasslands, often on chalky soils. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)