Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Dipsacaceae ⟩ Knautia arvensis / field scabious

Knautia arvensis (L.) Coult.

field scabious (Dipsacaceae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
Very widespreadSlight tendencySE
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Knautia arvensis is a widespread component of base-rich grasslands, including arable fields.

Beckley (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2014-07-01

 field scabious / Knautia arvensis: _Knautia arvensis_ is a widespread component of base-rich grasslands, including arable fields.

Each flower of Knautia arvensis has 4 corolla-lobes, separating it from Scabiosa species; the presence of enlarged flowers around the edge of the flower-head separates it from Succisa.

Beckley (VC23: Oxfordshire); 2014-07-01

 field scabious / Knautia arvensis: Each flower of _Knautia arvensis_ has 4 corolla-lobes, separating it from _Scabiosa_ species; the presence of enlarged flowers around the edge of the flower-head separates it from _Succisa_.

When in fruit, the bracts of Knautia arvensis are more visible, as are the 8 bristles projecting outwards from each 4-lobed calyx.

Coln St. Dennis (VC33: East Gloucestershire); 2022-06-12

 field scabious / Knautia arvensis: When in fruit, the bracts of _Knautia arvensis_ are more visible, as are the 8 bristles projecting outwards from each 4-lobed calyx.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne