Succisa, Genus, pratensis, Species,
- Genus & species
Devil's-bit scabious
Overview
Succisa pratensis is a clump-forming perennial of damp grassland, 15-100 cm (6-39 in) tall, with a basal rosette of smooth, oval, untoothed leaves and slender, sparsely branched flowering stems. From midsummer it carries rounded, button-like heads 1.5-2.5 cm (0.6-1 in) across packed with small blue-violet to mauve florets, with projecting pink-purple anthers that give the heads a pincushion look. Unlike true scabious, the heads are near-spherical rather than flat, and male and female plants differ slightly in head size. The plant grows from a short, abruptly truncated rootstock, the source of the old legend that the devil bit off its root and of its common name. It spreads slowly into clumps and self-seeds in open, moist turf. Foliage dies back in autumn and reappears from the rootstock in spring. The flowers are a late-season nectar source and the foliage feeds the larvae of the marsh fritillary butterfly. It needs reliably moist soil and full sun to light shade, and weakens on dry or heavily fertilised ground.
Native Range
Succisa pratensis is native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, including the British Isles. It grows in damp meadows, marshes, fens, wet heaths, and woodland rides, mostly on neutral to acid soils. It is not native to North America.Suggested Uses
Planted in damp wildflower meadows, marshy borders, rain gardens, and naturalistic schemes on moist ground. Used in wildlife and pollinator plantings as a late nectar source and as the larval food plant of the marsh fritillary butterfly. Its need for moist, low-fertility soil makes it hard to keep in dry or rich borders.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 3'3"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Blue-violet to mauveFoliage Description
Mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Succisa pratensis in moisture-retentive soil in full sun to light shade, where it tolerates seasonal wetness and neutral to acid ground. It weakens on dry, chalky, or heavily fertilised soils and competes poorly with vigorous grasses. The plant is hardy and needs no winter protection across temperate zones. Sow seed in autumn or spring, or divide established clumps in spring. Water during dry spells, as drought checks growth and flowering. Cut back faded stems in late autumn or leave the seed heads standing for birds and structure.Pruning
No formal pruning is needed. Cut back spent flowering stems in late autumn, or leave them for seed-eating birds and winter interest. Divide congested clumps in spring every three to four years to keep them vigorous.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons