Corn flower

Corn flower

Cornflower, also known as Bachelor's Button or blue-bottle, makes a welcome addition to any garden if only for its sky blue color (though there are varieties in pink and white too). But this plant has many other uses including having sturdy, long stems for cut flowers, making attractive medium to tall backdrops for the perennial or wildflower garden, being extremely easy to grow, and having some benefit in the medicinal garden. Though the flower taste is rather bland, in my opinion, Cornflowers still make an excellent garnish for salads, entrees, and drinks.

Cornflowers are another member of the huge Aster family, and originate in Europe, where they are sometimes a nuisance in corn and grain fields, thus the name Cornflower. They have naturalized throughout much of the United States, and are a mainstay in wildflower mixes. They make long-lasting cut flowers, and indeed, the name Bachelor's Button comes from their lasting qualities when pinned into the lapel of a tuxedo or suit. Cut blooms are also a good choice for wedding day hair ornaments or weaved into a hair band or head wreath.