Devil’s-bit scabious
Common name:
Devil's-bit scabious
Latin:
Succisa pratensis
Irish:
Odhrach bhallach
Family:
Dipsacaeae – The Teasel Family
Flowering period:
Late July-october
Native:
Yes
Habitat:
Calcareous grasslands and heaths, limestone pavement, turlough edges, roadsides and hedgerows
Conservation Status:
Common throughout the Burren. Although common, Devil’s -bit scabious is an extremely important wildflower as it is the main larval foodplant of the Marsh Fritillary, a rare species of butterfly found in the Burren and one of only a few legally protected species of butterfly in Ireland.
Gorgeous purple flowers of Devil’s-bit scabious bring welcome colour to the Burren landscape in late Summer through to the Autumnal months.
Devils -bit scabious was highly regarded by our Irish ancestors for its medicinal properties. It was used in the treatment of a variety of conditions including, skin conditions, fevers and coughs. Other more fascinating Irish folk uses involve as an antidote to the bites of venomous beasts.
Scabious comes from the Latin scabies meaning ’itch’ referring to the use of this plant to cure skin diseases.
Short description:
Delightful bobbing flowering heads of bluish purple Devil’s- bit scabious bring a welcome lift to the Autumnal landscape. The beauty of these flowers is further enhanced against the grey backdrop of Burren limestone.
Noteworthy characteristics:
Unmistakable rounded heads of purple-blue flowers on long slender stalks. Flowers are sometimes pale pink or even pure white. Dark green hairy leaves form a basal rosette from which the flowering stems elongate in midsummer making a striking display when they finally bloom in August
Uses and other points of interest:
The word Succisa comes from the Latin succis meaning ‘cut-off’, as the short rhizomes end abruptly as if cut off. This particular feature of the plant’s root is also connected to its common name Devil’s-bit scabious as it was believed that the Devil was so jealous of the powerful healing properties bestowed upon this plant that he bit off its roots. In so doing, hoping to deny the human race of its healing properties.
Devils -bit scabious was highly regarded by our Irish ancestors for its medicinal properties and was used in the treatment of a variety on conditions including, skin conditions, plague, leprosy, fevers, coughs, worms and even as an antidote to the bites of venomous beasts.
Scabious comes from the Latin scabies meaning ’itch’ referring to the use of this plant to cure skin diseases.
Devil’s -bit scabious was used in Co Clare in the treatment of boils and sores
Personal note:
This beautiful flower is a personal favourite. It’s gorgeous colour and graceful form brings delight and much joy to the Burren landscape in August and throughout the Autumn months. I love how its delicate pale purple colour is enhanced by the backdrop of the Burren landscape. This year I found a number of pure white varieties.
If you have any questions about this or any other plants shown on our website please feel free to message us via the form on our Contact page
Back to All Botany