The seaside centaury (Centaurium littorale) is most common in the coastal areas of Lauttasaari and Vuosaari.

The seaside centaury is a relatively unremarkable plant until it starts flowering. The pink flowers, which bloom in late summer, glow in the sun, but on overcast days they stay shut.

The lesser centaury (Centaurium pulchellum) is difficult to spot even when it flowers due to its small size and the fact that the flowers are of a paler share of red. It is also quite rare in Helsinki.

Photo Jussi Helimäki.