Devil’s-bit Scabious Succisa pratensis

When I think about my favourite kinds of flowers, I always gravitate to those that are favoured by bees and butterflies. It brings me such joy to see them in the garden. Flowers that are top of the list include Verbena bonariensis, lavender, Echinacea, Veronica, and foxglove. But the one that has given me the most pleasure over the last couple of weeks is the Devil’s-bit scabious.

Devil’s-bit scabious is a native, widespread wildflower, often found on grasslands and in damp areas. The name ‘scabious’ is derived from ‘scabies’ as it was said to help cure the illness. The common name is related to its short and stubby roots, and legend has it that the Devil bit off the roots after becoming angry about its medical properties.?

Its flowers are small purple pincushions, appearing between July and September, full of nectar. The ones in my garden are always buzzing with life, attracting numerous bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. This flower is the food plant of the declining marsh fritillary butterfly which is listed as a priority species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.?