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Description
Knautia Arvensis, also known as the Field Scabious, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Dipsacaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and can be found growing in fields, meadows, and along roadsides. The plant can grow up to 60cm tall and has a clump-forming habit with upright stems that bear lance-shaped leaves. The flowers of Knautia Arvensis are pink to purple in color and bloom from June to September.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Dipsacales |
| Family | Dipsacaceae |
| Genus | Knautia |
Appearance
The Knautia Arvensis plant has a unique appearance with its pink to purple flowers that bloom from June to September. The flowers are small and numerous, and they are arranged in a dense, rounded head. The stems of the plant are upright and can grow up to 60cm tall. The leaves are long and lance-shaped and are arranged in a basal rosette. The foliage of Knautia Arvensis is dark green in color and remains attractive throughout the growing season.
Care Guide
Knautia Arvensis is a low-maintenance plant and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your Knautia Arvensis:
- Water: The plant prefers well-draining soil and prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization, but an occasional application of a balanced fertilizer can be beneficial.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of light conditions.
- Hardiness Zones: Knautia Arvensis is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Knautia Arvensis is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust. Here are some tips for preventing and treating common pests and diseases:
- Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew can be prevented by providing good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. If powdery mildew does occur, treat it with a fungicide.
- Rust: Rust can be prevented by avoiding overhead watering and removing infected plant material. If rust does occur, treat it with a fungicide.
Habitat
Knautia Arvensis is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and can be found growing in fields, meadows, and along roadsides. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of light conditions. Knautia Arvensis is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Knautia Arvensis a good plant for pollinators?
A: Yes, Knautia Arvensis is a good plant for pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Q: How often should I water my Knautia Arvensis plant?
A: The plant prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water it when the top inch of soil is dry.
Q: Can Knautia Arvensis tolerate drought?
A: Yes, Knautia Arvensis can tolerate some drought once established.
Q: When should I prune my Knautia Arvensis plant?
A: Prune the plant in early spring before new growth begins to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Related Plants
- Knautia Macedonica
- Scabiosa Columbaria
- Centaurea Montana
References
- “Knautia Arvensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278335&isprofile=0&. Accessed 23 Aug. 2021.
- “Knautia Arvensis.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10258/i-Knautia-arvensis-i/Details. Accessed 23 Aug. 2021.
- “Field Scabious (Knautia Arvensis).” Woodland Trust, www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/plants/wild-flowers/field-scabious/. Accessed 23 Aug. 2021.
