Dry-loving perennials, with rosettes of narrow, grass-like leaves. The flowers, on long stalks, have strap-shaped petals, all emerging from very attractive, silvery, papery-like buds. From the Greek katananke meaning 'strong force', as it was a common ingredient in love potions, hence the common name Cupid's dart.
The large cornflower-like flowerheads attract lots of bees, hoverflies and butterflies, while the seeds are eaten by goldfinches and other seed-eating birds. Although quite rarely found growing outside of gardens, in our warming climate it would be prudent to take steps to avoid its escape into the wild.