Centaurea scabiosa aka Greater Knapweed

Centaurea scabiosa, also known as greater knapweed, is a perennial plant native to Europe. It can be found in dry grasslands, hedgerows, and cliffs on lime-rich soil. The plant has upright branched stems that lead to single thistle-like flowerheads. These flowerheads consist of extended purple-pink "ragged" bracts surrounding the central flowers. The leaves of Centaurea scabiosa are deeply dissected and form a clump at the base. This species is highly beneficial to bees and attracts various species of butterflies, including the marbled white. It serves as the sole food plant for caterpillars of the Coleophoridae case-bearer moth, Coleophora didymella. Centaurea scabiosa has also been used in traditional herbal healing as a vulnerary or emollient. It is important not to confuse this plant with devils-bit scabious, as Centaurea scabiosa has alternately arranged leaves, whereas devils-bit scabious has opposite leaves. As a houseplant, greater knapweed requires regular watering and thrives in long-lasting, direct light. It is recommended to place the plant less than 1 foot away from a window. Well-draining soil is preferred, and repotting is necessary each time the plant doubles in size.