Centaurea cyanus - The cornflower, native to Europe, is a member of the Asteraceae family. It is listed as an endangered plant because of the intensification of agriculture in its former native habitat. Although considered a weed, it is a beneficial weed. The cornflower is edible, helps to enrich soils, and serves as a natural pest deterrent. Through its use as an ornamental plant and being appreciated for the vivid blue color, the cornflower is cultivated throughout the world.
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The Congress of Vienna was convened to re-establish order in Europe following the Napoleonic Wars. It sat from June of 1814 to September of 1815. One of its formations was the German Confederation, a loosely assembled league of 39 sovereign states; Austria, Prussia, and Bavaria were the largest and more powerful. Following several successful wars against Denmark, Austria, and France, the confederation was united under the leadership of Prussia to become the German Empire in 1871.
