Devil's Bit Scabious
Succisa pratensis
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Pl. CD94 — Succisa pratensis
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IOverview
Overview
Devil's Bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis) is a perennial forb or herb native to central and southern Europe, as well as parts of Asia and North Africa. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, it thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. This plant can be found across a wide range including Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and other regions listed above. Its distinctive feature is the "Devil's Bit" appearance at the top of its flower spike, which gives it its common name. The plant grows to about 0.4 meters in height and is hardy within USDA zones 4-8.
Quick answers
What is Devil's Bit Scabious?
Devil's Bit Scabious (Succisa pratensis) is a perennial forb or herb native to central and southern Europe, as well as parts of Asia and North Africa. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, it thrives in moist, light to heavy soils with a pH between 5.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Devil's Bit Scabious thrives in moist but well-drained soils of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) types, with a preferred pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It requires full sun to partial shade and is hardy in temperate regions from zones 4-8. Propagate via division or seed sowing. This perennial grows up to 0.4 meters tall and can be harvested for its edible leaves and shoots.
Light
6/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.4 m tall
Soil pH
5.5–6.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Devil's Bit Scabious for the first time
8steps
Devil's Bit Scabious is a hardy, low-maintenance plant that can be easily grown by beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a garden fork, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in autumn before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5, and prepare containers if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden or start them indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and protect from extreme weather.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light shade during hot summer months and deadhead flowers for continuous bloom.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and not providing enough shade are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The Devil's Bit Scabious is edible and its leaves and shoots can be consumed. These parts are typically harvested young and fresh for raw consumption or lightly cooked in salads. They add a mild flavor to dishes. Skip the detailed preparation methods as they were not provided.
Other uses:Dye
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe19 regions
native (19)AustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIcelandIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRussiaUnited Kingdom
Africa1 region
native (1)Algeria
Broader regions
native:Altay, Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Føroyar, Krasnoyarsk
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · cd94624a-7f55-4436-9048-b51f7bf59619
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