American star-thistle

Plectocephalus americanus (Nutt.) D.Don

American basketflower’s name draws attention to the structure beneath its display. This annual is now accepted as Plectocephalus americanus; Centaurea americana Nutt. is its familiar older name. Looking beneath the pink display reveals the bracts that make this particular North American wildflower so recognisable. Kew POWO: Plectocephalus americanus ITIS: Centaurea americana Nutt.SEINet: Plectocephalus americanus, Flora of North America account

Botanical name

Plectocephalus americanus (Nutt.) D.Don is accepted by Kew. ITIS verifies Centaurea americana Nutt. as its synonym, excluding the different Sprengel homonym. Kew POWO: Plectocephalus americanus ITIS: Centaurea americana Nutt.

Recognizing the plant

A broad cup of overlapping, finely fringed bracts supports the flower head, while enlarged pink-purple florets spread around the outside. The result is an intricate head of many flowers, not one enormous blossom. Plants can reach well above a metre, with upright, sparsely branched stems and rough-textured leaves. The large outer florets are sterile, while smaller inner florets contain the reproductive structures. Later, dark fruits carry a tuft of unequal bristles. SEINet: Plectocephalus americanus, Flora of North America account

Bloom window

North American flora treatment

The Flora of North America records flowering from February to August across its regional treatment, a broad span rather than a promise for every locality. SEINet: Plectocephalus americanus, Flora of North America account

Native range

Kew records a native range across central and southern parts of the United States into northern and western Mexico. It belongs to prairies, fields, open woodland and other open or disturbed sites described in the North American flora. Kew POWO: Plectocephalus americanus SEINet: Plectocephalus americanus, Flora of North America account

Botanical sources

Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.