Bleuet

Bleuet is the French name for the blue cornflower, Centaurea cyanus. It is an annual plant native to Europe that is widely cultivated for ornamental use in gardens and in floral arrangements. The flower typically features vivid blue petals arranged around a central disk and is valued for its bright color and delicate appearance.

In French culture, the blue cornflower has acquired an additional commemorative meaning. The Bleuet de France is a fundraising initiative organized by the national office for veterans and war victims (ONAC-VG) and supported by the Bleuet de France Foundation. Through the sale of small blue cornflower symbols—such as lapel pins or paper flowers—the program raises funds to provide financial and social support for veterans, victims of war, and their families. The symbol is commonly worn or displayed during Armistice Day and other commemorations as a reminder of those affected by conflict.

Botany and cultivation notes: the plant grows to a height of roughly 30 to 50 centimeters, with slender stems and blue ray florets surrounding a central disk. It is an annual species in most climates and is widely cultivated as a garden escape and cut flower, contributing to its recognizable status in both horticulture and national remembrance campaigns.