Field Scabious
Knautia arvensis
Tap image to enlarge · Wikimedia Commons
Overview
Field Scabious is one of the best insect plants of the Sefton Coast — the flat, lilac-blue flower heads are a magnet for bumblebees, butterflies and hoverflies throughout August. The outer florets of each flower head are larger than the inner ones, giving an irregular pincushion look. Common on dune grassland and scrub edges, it often grows with Lady's Bedstraw, Viper's Bugloss and Common Centaury in the diverse dune wildflower community.
At a Glance
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Habitat | Fixed dune grassland · Rough grassland · Scrub edge |
| UK population | Common on calcareous and neutral grassland throughout England |
| Sefton Coast | Present on fixed dune grassland and rough ground throughout the Sefton Coast |
| Conservation | UK Green List |
Where to See It
Fixed dune grassland and scrub edges at Ainsdale and Formby.
Identification
Tall, branching plant to 80cm. Pinnately lobed basal leaves. Flat-topped lilac-blue flower heads with larger outer florets. Hairy stems. Multiple flower heads per plant.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Watch Field Scabious in August — it's one of the most attractive insect plants on the dune grassland. Bumblebees and butterflies visit constantly.
Conservation Status
UK Green List
This species has a favourable conservation status in the UK and remains an important part of Sefton Coast biodiversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called scabious?
The name comes from the Latin scabies (itch, mange). Scabious plants were used medicinally to treat skin diseases including scabies, eczema and various itching conditions. The plant contains compounds with mild antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This medicinal use gave the whole genus (Knautia and Scabiosa) the common name 'scabious'.
Related Species
Plan your visit to the Sefton Coast
Marshside RSPB, Formby pinewoods, Ainsdale NNR — practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.