WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Widespread and fairly frequent throughout the UK but most common in the South. Habitat includes: Disturbed, mildly acidic to calcareous, well-drained, soils in places such as chalk / limestone grassland, heathland, woodland rides, open scrub, dune grassland, cliff-tops, quarries, spoil-heaps, roadside verges. Flowers: May to September. Flowers close on overcast days and in damp weather. Growing habit: Biennial / Annual. Hight: Up to 50 cm. Other names include: European Centaury, Fever-foullie, Gentian. History: It is named after the centaur 'Chiron', who, according to legend, discovered its healing power and used it to cure himself from the effects of a poisoned arrow. It was respected in witchcraft, and was used in exorcisms. 'Centaury' means for delicacy and felicity.