Family: scabiouses (Dipsacaceae)
Flowering time: July–September
Size: 15–80 cm
Habitat: moist meadows and forest edges
Meadow scabious (Succisa pratensis) is a herbaceous perennial without short lateral shoots at the base of the stem. Its long-lanceolate leaves are mostly entire. At the top of the branched stems, late in summer, head-like inflorescences bloom, consisting of blue-violet flowers. If we look at the meadow scabious flower up close, we notice that it is hairy. Its fruit is also hairy. After flowering, during the development of the fruits, its inflorescence is, in outline, more or less semicircular. At that time the broad black bristles, which project from the calyx, are also clearly visible.
Meadow scabious contains substances that help in alleviating various health problems and ailments. It is known for its use in wound healing, for soothing coughs, cramps and diarrhea, and for metabolic problems.
Meadow scabious is widespread throughout Slovenia. It thrives in moist, humus-rich, moderately acidic soils, in bright, moderately warm locations.
