Field scabious, blue buttons, lady's pincushion, scabious des champs, knautie des champs, veuve des prés
Knautia arvensis
🌿 Morphology
🌞 Growing conditions
🌍 Origin and family
🌾 Uses
Warning: Despite the care taken in writing this sheet, it is essential to cross-reference sources before using or consuming any plant. When in doubt, consult a qualified professional
Permaculture uses
Field scabious is valued in permaculture for attracting pollinators, especially bees and butterflies, due to its nectar-rich flowers. Its long blooming period makes it a valuable source of food for beneficial insects. It can be used in wildflower meadows, pollinator gardens, and naturalized areas. While not typically consumed, some sources suggest the young leaves are edible when cooked, but caution is advised due to potential toxicity. It has no well known medicinal properties.
Permapeople description
Field Scabious is a herbaceous perennial plant in the family Caprifoliaceae.
Botanical description
Knautia arvensis, commonly known as field scabious, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet tall, with a branching stem and deeply divided, hairy leaves. The flowers are borne in rounded, pincushion-like heads, ranging in color from pale lilac to deep lavender. Each flower head is composed of numerous small florets. The plant has a taproot system. Fruits are small achenes.
Companion planting
Field scabious is generally considered a beneficial companion plant, particularly for attracting pollinators to vegetable gardens and orchards. It is compatible with most plants, but avoid planting it near plants susceptible to fungal diseases, as it can create humid conditions.
Propagation methods
Field scabious can be propagated by seeds, division, or basal cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or autumn. Division is best carried out in spring or autumn when the plant is not actively growing. Basal cuttings can be taken in spring.
History and traditions
Historically, field scabious was used in traditional medicine, particularly for treating skin conditions such as scabies, hence the name 'scabious.' However, its effectiveness for this purpose is not scientifically proven. It has also been used as a dye plant, yielding a yellow or green color. In folklore, it was associated with love and protection.
Usage calendar
Flowering occurs from June to September. Seed collection is best done in late summer or early autumn. Planting can be done in spring or autumn. Pruning, consisting of deadheading spent flowers, can extend the blooming period.