Not to be semantically confused with : Seaside Daisy (Erigeron glaucous), Seaside Pansy (Viola tricolor ssp. curtisii) [plants with similar names]
Hybridizes with :
- (Lesser Centaury) to produce Centaurium × aschersonianum which was found in South Lancs in 2008 - the lengths of the corolla tube and flower stalk are intermediate between the two parents.
- (Common Centaury) to produce Centaurium × intermedium which is found on dunes on the Sefton Coast, Merioneth and Anglesey but which do not produce offspring readily, except on the Sefton Coast where backcrossing to both parents occurs producing fertile offspring. Other crossings are also possible. These complex cross-products are best left to experts to identify.
Perhaps it is best to look for Seaside Centaury elsewhere where it is not claimed to hybridise and back-cross etc. Luckily your Author was with experts who identified this Seaside Centaury specimen on the Sefton Coast.
Uniquely identifiable characteristics
Distinguishing Feature : For Seaside Centaury, the leaf shape (strap shaped - oblong, slightly elliptical with sides almost parallel (they bulge outwards slightly) is exclusive to Seaside Centaury and is diagnostic: the leaves on the stems are narrow oblong-elliptical and with the sides almost parallel. The apex is round to obtuse. The plant is biennial and erect.
It is found not only on the Sefton Coast (where it can hybridise) but also on sandy turf and coastal sand dunes from Northern Britain to South Wales and North-east Yorkshire and in County (London)Derry.
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