A wild herb native to many parts of Europe where it is most common in dry grassy fields, dry pastures, banks and generally open, sunny situations. It is not found further than 68°N in Europe.

Field scabious is a perennial which develops a deeply penetrating taproot, with lateral roots at some depth. The plant is erect and may reach heights of 25 - 100cm and profuse tillering can form clumps up to 50cm diameter when well established. The plant is very variable, particularly in the form of the leaves. Earliest formed rosette leaves are pointed and oval with a prominent midrib, later leaves are notched, the notching becoming more pronounced in successive leaves. Stem leaves may be reduced to strap-like structures with a little tissue around the midrib. Stems are thin, tough and lightly ridged. Flowers are hemispherical, pale lilac or light blue, occasionally pink or white. Earliest flowers are formed at the outer ends of the main stems and are succeeded by later flowers on branch and secondary stems. Marginal flowers are larger than the central. Flowers are protandrous and visited by bees and butterflies.The seeds are exposed and change colour from light green / yellow to tan. Seeds fall to the ground when ripe.

DAMAGE: It competes with forage stands and native pastures and is capable of invading undisturbed plant communities. Once established, field scabious is difficult to eradicate. It is sometimes planted as an ornamental and to attract butterflies.

• . A Guide to Weeds in British Columbia