UK Flowers: Herbs, Shrubs, Vines & Trees
UK Flowers

UK Sweet Scabious2

Herb Icon Cultivated Flower     First Aid Symbol 
Image of Sweet Scabious
Sixalix atropurpurea
Family: Caprifoliaceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name Sweet Scabious
Scientific Name Sixalix atropurpurea
MainColor Black
PlantType Herb Icon Herb
Distribution Cultivated Flower Cultivated
Season Found August (Jun - Oct)
ImageUrl Sixalix-001
Photographer DP
Location Found Glyndebourne
Country Found UK
Last Updated 03 September 2026
Photo Quality B

Flower Details

Description

Sixalix atropurpurea, sometimes still listed as Scabiosa atropurpurea, is a tall, elegant annual or biennial with domed flower heads in deep purple, maroon, or crimson tones. Its rich colour and long stems make it popular in cottage gardens and wildflower meadows. It attracts a range of pollinators, especially butterflies.

Distribution

Native to southern Europe and North Africa; cultivated across Europe, including the UK, where it occasionally escapes into the wild.

Medicinal/Other Uses First Aid Symbol

Traditionally used as a skin remedy for sores and minor wounds. Similar to other scabious species, it was once believed to “purify the blood.”

Edibility

Not used as food.

Human Toxicity
Non_Toxic

No major toxicity concerns, but contact with the sap may cause mild irritation in those with sensitive skin.

Pet Toxicity

Not Toxic

Active Compounds

Contains tannins and phenolic acids that may contribute to mild astringent properties.

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