The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Scabiosa

(scabious), a genus of herbaceous plants of the family Dipsaceae. The opposite leaves are pinnatipartite, pin-natisect, or—rarely—entire. The flowers are in heads borne by long peduncles, and the bracts of the involucre are herbaceous. There is a double calyx. The corolla has a short tube and an oblique limb; it is enlarged near the marginal flowers. The fruit is an achene.

There are about 100 species, distributed in Eurasia and Africa, mainly in the Mediterranean area. The USSR has about 30 species, which grow primarily in the Caucasus, Middle Asia, the southern part of the European USSR, and Siberia (as far as the Far East). The plants grow in dry meadows, on detritus slopes, in limestone regions, and, less frequently, in light forests. Sometimes they grow as weeds among crops. All species yield a substantial amount of nectar. Two species and their varieties are widely used in floriculture: the Caucasian scabious (S. caucasica), a perennial with large blue flowers, and the sweet scabious (S. atropurpurea), an annual with velvety flowers of various colors.

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References in periodicals archive

Investigation of Phenolic Content and Biological Activities of Scabiosa atropurpurea L.

The anatomical properties of Scabiosa atropurpurea L. (Caprifoliaceae)

To order by debit/credit card, call 0843 922 5000 quoting DMTG039 or send a cheque made payable, using blue or black ink, to Garden Offers to Scabiosa Mixed Offer (DMTG039) PO Box 64, South West District Office, Manchester, M16 9HY or visit mirrorgardenoffers.co.uk.

OFFER of the week; IN THE GARDEN

Other new flowers which may take your fancy include scabiosa atropurpurea Beaujolais Bonnets (Thompson & Morgan), a delicate-looking pink and white-fringed beauty.

gardening: Sow the seeds for a bright 2007

However, if you would prefer something a little "prettier," try: Asters Bee Balm Black-eyed Susan Butterfly Bush Butterfly Weed Chrysanthemum Coneflower Daylily False Aster Garden Phlox Gayfeather Globe Flower Golden Rod Helen's Flower Honeysuckle Joe-Pye Weed Jupiter's Beard Lavender Meadowsweet Ornamental Onion Scabiosa Sweet William Tickseed Yarrow Allium schoenoprasum (chives) Anethum graveolens (dill) Borago officinalis (borage) Vibernum opulus (Korean lilac) Salix discolor (pussy willows)

Butterfly attractions. (Country conversation & feedback)

Wants: scabiosa flower with directions, blue hyacinth bulbs

SEED SWAP

Scabiosa caucasica 'Pink Mist' The pin-cushion flower is a classic cottage garden favourite which loves full sun and well-drained soil.

FLORAL AND HARDY; With a chance to focus on his own garden, Diarmuid creates a bed of tough perennials

"The scabiosa and aquilegia attract a lot of bees and my borders hum with "We live in a barn conversion and are very aware that we are the temporary occupants and it's the wildlife who really own the place.

Jo digs into her musical roots... JO WHILEY TELLS HANNAH STEPHENSON HOW TO TURN A BACK YARD INTO A SOUND GARDEN

Astilbe / Eucalyptus / Fern Geranium / Grevillea / Kumquat Lisianthus / Rosemary Scabiosa / Veronica / Winterberry

The secret life of mums

Andy Garcka, Greenford, North West London: Try scabious (both knautia and scabiosa species), coreopsis, Anthemis tinctoria and cultivars of Geranium wallichianum.

Club question

Her bouquet featured Juliette roses, peonies, white scabiosa, and dried lavender wrapped in antique lace.

Howard & Schurch

Scabiosa THESE long-lasting, dainty-flowered perennials, which can keep blooming from early summer until November, are a magnet for butterflies and bees and valued for their fresh and dried flower arrangements.

Best of the bunch

The seeds of the Centaurea scabiosa (Greater Knapweed), Dipsacus fullonum(Teasel) and Helianthus (Sunflower) are just a few pretty must haves too.

Encourage birds back into the garden; OUTDOORS in the garden