# Scabiosa

Scabiosa, also known as the pincushion flower, has beautiful blooms that attract butterflies and bees. It loves sunny spots and can brighten up any garden!

- **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Gardens and sunny fields
- **Also known as:** Pincushion Flower, Scabious

![Scabiosa](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426761/objects/4983.jpg)

## Appearance

The Scabiosa has unique pincushion-like flowers with a central dome surrounded by a delicate skirt of frilly petals. These charming blooms typically appear in shades of lavender, blue, pink, white, or deep maroon. Its distinctive structure makes it stand out in any garden.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Plantae
- **Phylum:** Magnoliophyta
- **Class:** Rosospsida
- **Order:** Dipsacales
- **Family:** Dipsacaceae
- **Genus:** Scabiosa

## Interesting facts

- Its unique blooms are often nicknamed "pincushion flowers" because of their appearance!
- Some Scabiosa varieties are called "mourning brides" for their deep, velvety flower colors!
- The dried seed heads of some species make beautiful, long-lasting decorations!
- The name "Scabiosa" comes from a Latin word meaning "itchy," linked to a similar plant!

## Special abilities

- **Nectar Beacon:** Scabiosa produces abundant sweet nectar and vibrant flowers that effectively attract pollinators like bees and butterflies from afar.
- **Seed Sprinkler:** After blooming, Scabiosa forms interesting, globe-shaped seed heads that cleverly help disperse its tiny seeds for new growth.

## Measurements & details

- **Height:** 30-90 cm
- **Spread:** 20-60 cm
- **Flower Size:** 3-7 cm
- **Bloom Season:** Summer to fall
- **Edible:** No
- **Toxicity:** None
- **Lifecycle:** Perennial
- **Pollination Method:** Insect

## Ecological connections

- **Pollinates:** Honey Bee (*Apis mellifera*) — gathers nectar and pollen.
- **Pollinates:** Painted Lady Butterfly (*Vanessa cardui*) — drinks nectar, aiding in reproduction.
- **Eats:** Black Bean Aphid (*Aphis fabae*) — sucks sap from stems and leaves.

## Traits

- [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
- [Summer Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/summer-blooming): Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
- [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
- [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.

## Collections

- [Flowers](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/flowers)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Explore with care and ask an adult if you’re unsure what to do.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Scabiosa?

Count the petals where you can, then compare the flower's center, its symmetry, how the blooms are grouped and the leaves below. Color varies between garden varieties and shifts with the light. Flower Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### How tall is Scabiosa?

30-90 cm

### How wide does Scabiosa spread?

20-60 cm

### How big are the flowers on Scabiosa?

3-7 cm

### When does Scabiosa bloom?

Summer to fall

### Is Scabiosa edible?

No

### Is Scabiosa toxic?

None

### What is Scabiosa's lifecycle?

Perennial

## Where to spot

- [Gamble Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/gamble-park) — British Columbia, CA · Park

## More Plants

- [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*)
- [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*)
- [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*)
- [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*)

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Source: [Scabiosa: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/scabiosa)