Red petaled cornflower – Centaurea cyanus

The red cornflower is an ornamental form of the classic cornflower, cultivated for its aesthetic qualities and gentle applications. Its dried petals are used in sensory, cosmetic, and culinary preparations. Their therapeutic use is covered by a pharmaceutical monopoly.

Description

Dried, fine petals, bright red to purple in color. Light and airy texture. Widely used to enrich flowering teas, decorative infusions, scented baths, or artisanal treatments.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Red cornflower, red barbel
• Latin name: Centaurea cyanus
• Family: Asteraceae
• Part used: Petals
• Form: Dried
• Origin: Europe, horticultural crops
• English name: Red cornflower petals
• Name in German: Rote Kornblumenblütenblätter
• Name in Spanish: Red aciano petals
• Name in Italian: Petali di fiordaliso rosso
• Name in Arabic: بتلات القنطريون الأحمر (Batalāt al-Qanṭaryūn al-Aḥmar)

Main virtues

A gentle plant with mild calming properties, red cornflower is used for its ability to visually enhance herbal teas, perfume natural cosmetics and create sensory floral blends.

Main constituents

Flavonoids, anthocyanins, mucilages, sweet tannins, aromatic compounds.

Use and dosage

• Infusion: 1 teaspoon for 250 ml, infuse for 5 to 7 minutes.
• Cosmetics: floral decoction or macerate in soothing natural treatments.
• Decoration: floral arrangements, teas, scrubs, candles, soaps.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Regulated product – reserved for professional use in internal or medical use.
• Possible allergy in people sensitive to Asteraceae.
• Do not consume without specialist advice.

History and origin

The cornflower, an emblematic flower of the fields of yesteryear, is now cultivated in several colors. The rarer red cornflower is prized in floral decoration and cosmetics for its warm hue and symbolic softness. It extends the cornflower tradition in a broader color palette.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: away from light, in a dry, tightly closed container.
• Packaging: lined kraft bag, metal box, opaque jar.
• Appearance: fine red or dry purple petals.
• Smell: subtle floral, slightly sweet.

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• European Corpus of Ornamental and Medicinal Plants
• French Pharmacopoeia – Regulated plants
• Horticultural references on Centaurea cyanus varieties

🔎 Information

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