Field scabious Knautia arvensis
Table of Contents
Field scabious is native to the UK. It’s a common and widespread wildflower found throughout the UK. It typically thrives in a variety of habitats such as grasslands, meadows, roadside verges, and open woodlands, particularly in areas with free-draining soil.
Plant family: Caprifoliaceae
Aliases: Batchelor’s button, black soap, blue buttons, gypsy rose, purple buttons
Flowering period: July – September
Flower colour: Lilac – Blue
Preferred soil type: Moist, well drained
Habitat: Meadows, grassland, hedgerows, verges, dunes
Status: Common
General information
Field scabious is a perennial wildflower found throughout the British Isles, growing to a height of 1 – 1.5 meters it favours free draining sites in meadows and grassland that receive ample sunlight, but will grow in partial shade.
Identification
Flowers: The flowers are typically vary from a soft lilac to a pale blue colour, though they can vary in hue and sometimes appear in shades of pink or white. Each flower forms of a cluster of small florets that together create a pincushion-like appearance, they typically measure between 1.5 – 3cm across.
Leaves: The basal leaves form as a rosette and are spoon or oval shaped sometimes quite long (between 15 – 25cm). The upper leaves are somewhat smaller and narrower.
Value for wildlife
Field scabious is a valuable plant for pollinators, attracting a wide variety of insects due to its nectar-rich flowers. They include bees, butterflies, moths, wasps and hoverflies. Once flowering has commenced the seeds are eaten by seed eating birds such as goldfinches. The leaves also act a food food source for the caterpillars of certain butterfly and moth species.
Uses for field scabious
The plant has a history of use in folk medicine, and its common name, “scabious,” is derived from its use in treating skin conditions such as scabies, sores and open wounds. It’s also said to have diuretic properties and has been used to treat respiratory issues such as coughs and throat infections.
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