Here's one of my favorite eastern field flowers, the common Cornflower. Doesn't like to be picked and is happiest growing in the thin soil of the roadside!
ahh! that's one of my favorite flowers!! they show up in the most unusual spots and bring a splash of color. love 'em! thanks for posting!
That's a Chicory, not a Cornflower! Note the different flower structure of Cornflower: http://www.floralimages.co.uk/images/centaurea_cyanus_abc.jpg
there is something around here that we call cornflower. it is not centaurea. i have know idea of what it's latin name is. on second look, that first flower isn't the one i'm thinking of. looks like there are mutiple 'corn flower' flowers around the country!
You're right, of course, its not a Cornflower, its Chicory! I wikkied it and it's Latin name is Cichorium intybus The roots are dried and ground and used as the familiar coffee substitute. Its cousin is the endive used in salads. Origins are Mediterranean. Other names include Blue Sailors, Succory and Coffeeweed.
