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Devil's-bit Scabious

Succisa pratensis

Devil's-bit Scabious is a pretty purple flower that grows in meadows and grasslands. Its unique name comes from its flat, devil-like root that looks like it has been bitten off!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Devil's-bit Scabious has distinctive, domed flower heads, typically purplish-blue and resembling a pincushion, atop slender, often unbranched stems. Its oval to lance-shaped leaves form a basal rosette, with smaller, opposite leaves higher up the stem, making it easily identifiable in damp grasslands.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderDipsacalesFamilyCaprifoliaceaeGenusSuccisa
Devil's-bit Scabious
flowering trait badgebiennial trait badgecluster_flower trait badgesummer_blooming trait badge
Devil's-bit Scabious

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ancient folklore said carrying a Devil's-bit root could protect you from bad luck and evil spells!

Before clocks, people used these flowers to predict rain; if the petals closed, rain was on its way!

Its short root looks like it's been bitten off by the Devil, giving the plant its spooky name!

The pretty purple flowers are a vital food source for the rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly caterpillars!

Special abilities

Ability

Wetland Survivor

Devil's-bit Scabious can thrive in waterlogged, nutrient-poor soils, allowing it to grow where other plants struggle to survive.

Ability

Root Regeneration

Devil's-bit Scabious has a unique, stubby rootstock that regrows yearly, helping it persist as a perennial plant.

Measurements & details

Height
15-80 cm
Spread
20-50 cm
Flower Size
1.5-2.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late summer to autumn
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eats

Marsh Fritillary

Euphydryas aurinia

larvae feed on its leaves

pollinates

European Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

visits flowers for nectar

pollinates

Common Carder Bee

Bombus pascuorum

gathers nectar and pollen

pollinates

Red Admiral

Vanessa atalanta

sips nectar from blooms

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch flowers without asking an adult first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Devil's-bit Scabious?

The easiest way to identify Devil's-bit Scabious is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How tall is Devil's-bit Scabious?

15-80 cm

How wide does Devil's-bit Scabious spread?

20-50 cm

How big are the flowers on Devil's-bit Scabious?

1.5-2.5 cm

When does Devil's-bit Scabious bloom?

Late summer to autumn

Is Devil's-bit Scabious edible?

Yes

Is Devil's-bit Scabious toxic?

None

What is Devil's-bit Scabious's lifecycle?

Perennial

Snap Map

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