Field Scabious

Field scabious is a biennial or herbaceous perennial forb in the Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle) family. It grows from a taproot to form a basal rosette in its first year of growth; in subsequent years it produces a main stem erect to 2 to 4 feet tall. Leaves may be oblanceolate or pinnately lobed and are arranged opposite each other on stems. Basal leaves are large, reaching between 4 and 10 inches long; leaves decrease in size up the stem. The entire plant is covered in soft hairs. Field scabious flowers from early summer to fall. Flowers are densely packed inflorescences that occur at the tip of stems and may look like individual flowers. Inflorescences may resemble chives from a distance. Florets are usually light purple to blue or sometimes white or pink and are combined in a head ringed by green bracts. Seeds are 5 to 6 mm long, cylindrical, and hairy.

Field scabious is native to Europe and was introduced to North America as an ornamental. It spreads solely by seed. It is primarily found in disturbed sites, rangeland, pastures, and grasslands.

Prevention and cultural control strategies should be utilized as much as possible.

There are no biological control agents currently available for field scabious.

Because field scabious has a taproot, it can be readily managed by hand pulling or digging out if all of the root is removed. Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling field scabious as it can cause skin irritation. Mowing will not eradicate stands of field scabious, but it can be beneficial in preventing flower production. Do not mow while seeds are present.

Larger infestations can be controlled with herbicides. Spring and fall treatments of rosettes are recommended, but treatment of bolting plants can be effective. Read the label before using any herbicide. Contact TCWP if you have any questions about application rates or how to use an herbicide.

• Invasive Alien Species: Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis) (2013) Saskatchewan Invasive Species Council and Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan. 
• Field scabiosa (Knautia arvensis) (2024) Midwest Invasive Species Information Network. 
• Field Scabiosa (Knautia arvensis) Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. 
• ‍Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis) (2014) Montana State University.