Scabiosa atropurpurea (syn. Sixalix atropurpurea), the mourningbride, mournful widow, pincushion flower, or sweet scabious, is an ornamental plant of the genus Scabiosa in the family Caprifoliaceae.[2] It is native to southern Europe.[3]

Scabiosa atropurpurea - MHNT

Subtaxa

The following subtaxa are accepted:[1]

  • Scabiosa atropurpurea subsp. atropurpurea
  • Scabiosa atropurpurea var. grandiflora (Scop.) Fiori & Paol.
  • Scabiosa atropurpurea subsp. maritima (L.) Arcang.

Description

Scabiosa atropurpurea has cauline leaves that are pinnately dissected,[3] plants have red to purple flowers. It is native to southern Europe. It propagates by seeds which are dispersed by animals.[4]

Cultivation

It prefers cooler climates; high temperatures and humidity negatively impact its growth. Scabiosa atropurpurea grows best in rich, alkaline soils high in organic matter with good drainage.[5] It makes a good cut flower. Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Beaujolais Bonnets' is a cultivar grown for its long blooming period and burgundy flowers.[6]

Invasive species

It has become an invasive species outside of its native range, including the US state of California where it has invaded grasslands.[3] It ranks as one of South Australia's most commonly recorded weeds.[7]

References

  1. ^ a b "Scabiosa atropurpurea L." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
  2. ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Scabiosa atropurpurea". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 6 November 2015.
  3. ^ a b c Bruce G. Baldwin; Douglas Goldman; David J. Keil; Robert Patterson; Thomas J. Rosatti (7 February 2012). The Digital Jepson Manual: Vascular Plants of California. University of California Press. pp. 2139–. ISBN 978-0-520-95289-8.
  4. ^ "Scabiosa atropurpurea profile". California Invasive Plant Council. 2017-10-15. Retrieved 2020-12-02.
  5. ^ "Scabiosa atropurpurea (Pincushion Flower, Scabiosa) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox". plants.ces.ncsu.edu. Retrieved 2020-12-02.
  6. ^ "Scabiosa atropurpurea 'Beaujolais Bonnets' - Plant Finder". www.missouribotanicalgarden.org. Retrieved 2020-12-02.
  7. ^ "Sweet Scabious, Pincushions (Scabiosa atropurpurea) – Weeds of Melbourne". Retrieved 2020-12-02.

Sources