How much sun does Charming centaury need?

Charming centaury grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Charming centaury bloom?

Charming centaury blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Charming centaury native?

Charming centaury (Zeltnera venusta) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Charming centaury attract?

Charming centaury draws native bees and butterflies.

Charming centaury

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Zeltnera venusta

Last reviewed: October 2026

Charming centaury (Zeltnera venusta) is a annual forb native to CA. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw native bees and butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Charming centaury (Zeltnera venusta) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–16" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

Pollinators

native bees, butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

A slender annual with narrow leaves and star-shaped pink flowers with a bright yellow throat, held in loose clusters. It grows in open grassland and clearings, blooming through late spring and summer.

Growing Charming centaury

Grow Charming centaury in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 6 to 16 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Its flowers provide nectar for native bees and small butterflies during its bloom period.

Common questions

How much sun does Charming centaury need?: Charming centaury grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Charming centaury bloom?: Charming centaury blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Charming centaury native?: Charming centaury (Zeltnera venusta) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Charming centaury attract?: Charming centaury draws native bees and butterflies.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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