Definition

1. Noun:
   • A south European plant having dark-eyed flowers with flat blue rays: "blue succory" is a specific common name for a flowering plant species, Catananche caerulea, native to southern Europe. It is characterized by its distinctive flowers which feature a dark central disc (the "dark eye") surrounded by flat, strap-like blue petals (the "rays").

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The garden's dry border was brightened by the intense color of the blue succory.
  • Blue succory, also known as Cupid's dart, is often used in dried flower arrangements.

Advanced Usage

• As a common name: The term "blue succory" is primarily used in horticultural and botanical contexts to refer to this specific plant. It is less common in everyday conversation.
  • For a true Mediterranean feel, consider planting lavender and blue succory together.

Variants and Related Words

• Catananche caerulea (n): The scientific Latin name for the blue succory plant.
• Cupid's dart (n): Another common name for the same plant, .
• Succory (n): A general term historically referring to plants like chicory (), which is a related but different species. "Blue succory" is named for its visual resemblance to chicory flowers.

Synonyms

• Cupid's dart: The most frequent alternative common name.
• Catananche: Often used in gardening circles as a shortened form of the genus name to refer to this species.

Notes on Meaning

• Specificity: "Blue succory" refers exclusively to the plant . It should not be confused with "succory" alone, which typically denotes chicory.
• Descriptive Nature: The name is descriptive, combining the flower color ("blue") with a reference to a similar-looking plant ("succory").

Noun

1. south European plant having dark-eyed flowers with flat blue rays