Centaurea jacea - Brown Knapweed

Centaurea or Knapweed flowers are important for the beautiful white butterfly Melanargia galathea, known as the "Marbled White," which feeds on them.

 

In the spring of 2011, the U.S. Mission joined Geneva's Garden Charter and tilled on third of the grounds to be planted with a special mixture of indigenous species prepared by the Canton of Geneva's conservation office (The seed mix is called Prairie Fleurie / Melange de Geneve). The result exceeded our expectations. By mid-summer, our gardens were bursting with life and color much to the delight of U.S. Mission staff! The new gardens are easier to care for, better for biodiversity, and require less water.

 

U.S. Mission Geneva Photo by Eric Bridiers

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