Succisa pratensis aka Premorse

Succisa pratensis is a herbaceous perennial called devil's bit scabious. It belongs to the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae. Its native range spans Europe, Madeira, and northwest Africa. It also extends east to central Siberia. It is native to Britain and Ireland. Wild plants grow in meadows, pastures, marshes, and fens. They also grow in damp woods on acid or calcareous ground.

Plants form spreading clumps with an upright shape. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. The RHS also describes shorter plants around 2 feet [0.6 metres]. Clumps spread about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] wide. Slender, oval green leaves form a rosette at ground level. The plant loses its leaves for winter. Branched stems rise above the leaves and carry single flowerheads. These pale purple or lavender heads have a rounded, pincushion shape. Each measures about 0.07 feet [0.02 metres] across. Flowering runs from July to October, through summer and autumn.

Grow this plant in full sun or partial shade. It needs moist soil that drains well. It suits peat-rich ground that stays moist through spring and summer. The RHS lists clay, loam, sand, and chalk as suitable. It also accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soil. Chicago Botanic Garden lists moderate water needs. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H7. Chicago lists USDA zones 5–8. Plants reach full size in two to five years. Grow new plants from seed or basal softwood cuttings.

Use it in borders, informal gardens, or wildflower meadows. It also suits woodland edges and wildlife gardens. Chicago lists it for ground cover and specimen planting. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers, and the plant attracts birds. Caterpillars and butterflies also use it as a food source. The flowers can be dried for indoor display. Leaves yield a green dye. No routine pruning is needed. Slugs may damage plants, but the RHS reports few disease problems. Plants For A Future does not flag it as weedy.

Plants For A Future lists leaves and shoots as edible parts. Tender young shoots can go raw into spring salads. That source reports no known hazards, rather than proven safety. It also records traditional use for coughs, fevers, and skin complaints. These reports do not establish that such treatments work.