Etymology: Centaurium: old name, variously applied by herbalist, from centum, hundred, and aurum gold or gold-piece, possibly alluding to priceless medicinal value; or German vernacular name Tsusendguldenkraut
Plants: erect, annual, to 8" tall forb, often with many branches from the base
Leaves: main leaves stalkless, opposite
Flowers: pink, 5-parted, 1/3" wide, broadly funnel-shaped, stalked; inflorescence rather dense, branched, separated clusters; blooms June-Sept.
Habitat: disturbed sites, fields, roadsides
Conservation Status: Introduced - locally established

Floristic Rating: Wetland Indicator = FACU- USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada" Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key