This website makes extensive use of JavaScript. For a richer experience please enable JavaScript in your browser.

High contrast version - your agreement to receive cookies is required

To view a high contrast version of our website we will need to give your computer two cookies. These are functional cookies - they do not collect any of your personal data, but simply remember that you agree to receiving the colour scheme cookies and that you want this website to have a high contrast colour scheme.

If you would like to turn on the high contrast function and receive the cookies, click on the 'accept' button. You will be able to delete the cookies at any time from your machine. If you do not want these cookies or no longer want the site to appear in high contrast colours, click the 'cancel' button. If you do not accept the cookie this function will not work.

We are asking your permission to place these cookies on your machine as part of the European e-Privacy Directive which applies to all sites in the UK. You can find out more about the Directive, the cookies we use on our website and how you can control cookies at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/privacypolicy.htm#cookies.

Resizing the text size - your agreement to receive cookies is required

To change the size of the text on our website we will need to give your computer two cookies. These are functional cookies. One remembers that you have agreed to receiving the text size cookie while the other one remembers what size of text you have chosen to view the site with. Neither of the cookies collect any of your personal data.

If you would like to change the text size and receive the cookies, click on the 'accept' button. You will be able to delete the cookies at any time from your machine. If you do not want the cookies or no longer want the site to appear with different sized text, click the 'cancel' button. If you do not accept the cookies this function will not work.

We are asking your permission to place these cookies on your machine as part of the European e-Privacy Directive which applies to all sites in the UK. You can find out more about the Directive, the cookies we use on our website and how you can control cookies at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/privacypolicy.htm#cookies.

Small scabious

Taxonomic information

Common Name: Small Scabious

Latin Name: Scabiosa columbaria

Family: Dipsacaceae

Description

Small scabious is a member of the Teasel family (Dipsacaceae). The plant along with other scabious species was previously used to treat Scabies, hence its common name. Another name used is pin-cushion flower. This attractive species has been developed into several garden cultivars.

In the Yorkshire Dales National Park small scabious can be found on limestone grassland, and also on rock outcrops and scars out of the reach of livestock. The pale blue flowers are a good source of nectar for bees and Lepidoptera. There are two other species of scabious which occur in the National Park, these are devil’s-bit scabious and field scabious.

Like this page? Share it:

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Malham Cove, © Príamo Melo.
Hardraw Force waterfall, © Britainonview / Martin Brent.
Limestone pavement, © Britainonview / Martin Brent.
Twisleton Scars, © Martin Priestley.
Swaledale sheep, © Britainonview.
Hay meadow in Malham, © Rick at Fortybelowzero.

Related links

startend

Sorry to interrupt, but what do you think of this website?

You could win a luxury picnic hamper packed to the brim with delicious local produce that you could enjoy in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. All you have to do is fill in our quick survey.

Start linksend