Centaurea benedicta (L.) L.
Centaurea benedicta
Centaurea benedicta, commonly known as St. Benedict's thistle or blessed thistle, is a thistle-like annual plant native to the Mediterranean region. It grows up to 60 cm tall with leathery, hairy leaves that are up to 30 cm long and 8 cm broad, bearing small spines on the margins. The plant produces yellow flowers in dense flowerheads surrounded by spiny basal bracts. It has a sprawling habit and requires full sun and well-drained soil.
Details
Asterales
Asteraceae
Centaurea
The plant contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These compounds contribute to its traditional medicinal uses and potential health benefits.
Blessed thistle is traditionally used as a galactagogue to increase breast milk supply. It is also used in folk remedies for various ailments and as a flavoring in alcoholic beverages. However, it may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals and can induce stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting if consumed in large amounts.
Mid-summer to early fall
After the danger of frost passes
Up to 60 cm
Yellow
Full sun and well-drained soil; native to the Mediterranean region
Info
Pannon Flora Ltd. was founded on December 13, 1999, by Gábor Janik, who retains 95% ownership. Janik holds an MSc in Horticulture from the University of Horticultural Sciences (1986) and an Advanced Professional English Certification from the College of International Trade (1990). The company specializes in bird feed production and export, primarily serving markets in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, alongside cultivating and distributing imported/exported horticultural seeds. It maintains exclusive partnerships with JOEUN Seed (South Korea) and Takii Europe (Japan), a leader in professional seed breeding and production. Pannon Flora collaborates with certification bodies such as NÉBIH (National Food Chain Safety Office), MERT Kontroll, and SGS Hungary to ensure compliance and quality. The company works with approximately 400 Hungarian growers, ranging from small-scale producers (under 5 hectares) to mid-sized farms and large-scale agricultural enterprises. This profile emphasizes agribusiness expertise, technical partnerships, and operational scalability tailored to international client needs.
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