June Centaury
Zeltnera muehlenbergii
Care
part shade
0–0ft tall
Friendly
Yes
Prized
Southern California coastal scrub and chaparral from Ventura County to San Diego County, below 1500 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant June Centaury in a spot with partial shade - it thrives in the dappled light you'd find under Bay Area oak trees or on the east side of a fence. This is an annual herb, so plant it in spring when the soil warms up. Space plants about 6 inches apart to give them room to branch out; they'll grow anywhere from 4 inches to 3 feet tall depending on conditions.
After Planting
Since this is an annual, expect it to complete its life cycle in one growing season - enjoy the delicate five-petaled flowers while they last, then let it set seed or pull it out in fall. Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil consistently moist, as this plant naturally grows in moist forest areas. The biggest mistake Bay Area gardeners make is letting annuals dry out; treat June Centaury like it prefers moisture, not drought.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
larvae feed on plant tissues during spring emergence and early summer development
spring foraging resource for hive nutrition and brood-rearing
polyphagous species utilizes various plants including Zeltnera during spring broods
early season nectar source during colony establishment and worker production