Succisa pratensis - Devil's-bit Scabious

Devil’s-bit Scabious: M, N, P, B,* Jul-Oct

PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). Suits damp or medium-draining and neutral to mildly acidic soil. Hardy to zone 5. In flower from July to October. This attracts not only bees but is a butterflies favourite too. Young, tender shoots can be added to salads. It makes a useful tea for the treatment of coughs, fevers and internal inflammations and is also a popular application externally to eczema and a distilled water from the plant as an eye lotion can treat conjunctivitis. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, lepidoptera. It is noted for attracting wildlife. SEEDS 0.5g (approx 200 seeds)/£1.55. (Best sown in Autumn)