Devil's-bit scabious
Scientific name: Succisa pratensis
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Other common names;
Flowering time: July to October
Height: up to 75cm
Growing conditions: damp areas
Nectar source for: variety of bees and insects
Food source for: Marsh fritillary butterfly
Description
Devil's-bit scabious gets its Latin name - 'Scabere', meaning to scratch - from its traditional use as a treatment for skin conditions, such as scabies and the sores of bubonic plague. Its common name arises from the fact that its roots look truncated, as if bitten off, legend has it, by the Devil.
How to identify: Devil's-bit scabious has flattened, rounded flower heads that range in colour from blue to pinky-purple. Its leaves are long and oval.
How to propagate: Propagate by seed and sow in early spring either outside, where they are to flower, or in seed trays and covered lightly with compost. Devil's Bit Scabious seeds are often slow to germinate. The seedlings, which are quick to develop, can be pricked out and grown on, for planting out later in the year.
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Other common names;
Flowering time: July to October
Height: up to 75cm
Growing conditions: damp areas
Nectar source for: variety of bees and insects
Food source for: Marsh fritillary butterfly
Description
Devil's-bit scabious gets its Latin name - 'Scabere', meaning to scratch - from its traditional use as a treatment for skin conditions, such as scabies and the sores of bubonic plague. Its common name arises from the fact that its roots look truncated, as if bitten off, legend has it, by the Devil.
How to identify: Devil's-bit scabious has flattened, rounded flower heads that range in colour from blue to pinky-purple. Its leaves are long and oval.
How to propagate: Propagate by seed and sow in early spring either outside, where they are to flower, or in seed trays and covered lightly with compost. Devil's Bit Scabious seeds are often slow to germinate. The seedlings, which are quick to develop, can be pricked out and grown on, for planting out later in the year.