Devil's bit scabious
Succisa pratensis

Family: Caprifoliaceae

What it is like

A small plant. It grows 30-100 cm high and spreads 15-30 cm wide. It keeps growing from year to year. It forms a ring of leaves are the base. These are oblong or lance shaped. They are lightly downy. The flowering stems are slender and 100 cm tall. The flowers are like pincushions. They are dark purple or pink. The flower heads are 25 mm wide. They are in the axils of purple-tipped leafy bracts.

There is one Succisa species. Also put in the family Dipsacaceae.

Where it is found

It grows naturally in wet grassy places in heath or open forest. It needs moist soil and sun or light shade. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Britain, Eurasia, Europe, Luxembourg, North Africa, North America, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Türkiye, USA

How it is used for food

The young leaves are added to salads.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or by division.

Its other names

Local names

Travniška izjevka

Synonyms

Scabiosa succisa (L.); and others