Knautia arvensis aka Bluebuttons

Taxonomy

Knautia arvensis, also known as field scabious, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial plant in the Caprifoliaceae family. It grows between 25 and 100 cm tall and prefers grassy places and dry soils. Blooming from July to September, it produces lilac-blue flowerheads that can reach up to 4cm in diameter. The plant has simple or pinnately lobed leaves and a tap root. Its stem is hairy with long stiff hairs angled downwards. The leaves form a basal rosette, with the lower leaves being spear-shaped and around 300 mm long. The upper leaves are smaller and paired on the stem. Knautia arvensis has escaped cultivation after being introduced as an ornamental plant. To remove it, one can wear gloves and gently pull out the plant with its root system or use a shovel for convenience.

Common names

Bluebuttons, Field Scabiosa, Field Scabious, Gypsy's Rose

How to care for Bluebuttons

Difficulty

Bluebuttons is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Bluebuttons should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Bluebuttons requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Bluebuttons will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Bluebuttons’s native range is Europe, including Britain, north to latitude 69°, east to the Caucasus and W. Siberia.


More info:
Wikipedia