Knautia arvensis 'Field scabious'

[Ex. Co. Durham, England]

Dipsacaceae: Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). A hairy, grassland perennial with a flower like head of blue-violet flowers with pink anthers. Each flower consists of four unequal petal lobes particularly on the larger outer flowers. Field scabious could be confused with Small scabious or Devil’s-bit scabious, both also members of the teasel family. Small scabious as the name suggests is smaller, slimmer and less hairy and the flowers have five not four petal lobes. Devil’s-bit scabious is best separated from the other two by its dark, un-toothed, broad-lanceolate leaves. Field scabious flowers from June to October. Found growing in meadows, pastures, hedge banks, roadsides and grassy hills, usually on dry soils and especially on limestone. Native to most of Europe, including Britain, north to latitude 69°, east to the Caucasus and Western Siberia.

USES:

The whole plant has astringent and mildly diuretic properties. An infusion is used internally as a blood purifier and externally for treating cuts, burns and bruises. The fresh or dried flowering plant can be used, with or without the roots. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used as a blood purifier and as a treatment for eczema and other skin disorders.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seeds in spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have enough seed it would be worthwhile trying a sowing in situ outdoors in the spring. Easy. Prefers a sunny position and is an important source of nectar and pollen for bees.

HARVESTED: 2022*

APPROX. 50+SEEDS