Devil's-bit scabious - Succisa pratensis

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Devil's-bit scabious - Succisa pratensis
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

Devil's-bit scabious is an attractive perennial of damp grassland, marshes and woodland rides. It has rounded, pincushion-like and violet-blue flowerheads that appear from July to October. They provide an important nectar source for late flying butterflies, bees and hoverflies. Long, oval upright leaves form in a clump at the base of the plant. Devil's bit scabious prefers moist soil but will tolerate drier conditions. It can be grown in a summer meadow, beside a pond, along a woodland edge or in a flower border in a sunny or lightly shaded position.

Devil's-bit scabious is a good general source of nectar. In the wild it is the food plant of the larvae of at least two uncommon moths and the marsh fritillary butterfly. You have to examine the roots to understand the name: they appear to have been bitten off, although why the devil should be blamed for this is not clear!

Animals

Butterflies, Flies, Moths

Foliage	Green
Flower	Blue, July to October
Moisture	(Average)
Sunlight	(Full sun to Part-shade)
Origin	Native