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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Knautia arvensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies).
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Scabiosa arvensis.
Habitats
Meadow; Hedgerow;
Edible Uses
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antipruritic Astringent Diuretic Eczema Homeopathy
The whole plant is astringent and mildly diuretic[9]. An infusion is used internally as a blood purifier and externally for treating cuts, burns and bruises[9]. The fresh or dried flowering plant can be used, with or without the roots[9]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[9]. It is used as a blood purifier and as a treatment for eczema and other skin disorders[9].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in any well-drained soil[187]. Prefers a dry soil[9, 17]. Grows well on chalky soils[4]. Prefers a sunny position[188]. A very cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to at least -25°c[187]. Grows well in the summer meadow[24, 187]. The plant is an important source of nectar and pollen for bees and lepidoptera[24, 108]. The plants are sometimes dioecious, if this is the case then male and female plants will need to be grown if seed is required.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Propagation
Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. If you have enough seed it would be worthwhile trying a sowing in situ outdoors in the spring. The seed germinates in the spring in the wild. Division in the spring. Basal cuttings in late spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Native Plant Search
Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(L.)Coult.
Botanical References
17200
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
Readers comment
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