Invasive Species Council of Manitoba

Knautia arvensis

Field Scabious is a perennial that is native to Europe and was introduced to North America as an ornamental and has since escaped.

Favouring grassy areas Field Scabious can invade undisturbed plant communities and once established it is difficult to control. It prefers nutrient rich and moderately dry soils, but it's also known to establish in gravely soils.

The stem is hairy and grows 1.5 m tall and there can be several stems per plant. Leaves are also hairy deeply lobed and attach directly to the stem. Flowers are violet-blue in colour and occur singly at the end of a stem. One plant can produce 2000 seeds which can remain viable in the soil for many years.

The best way to control this plant is prevent seed production by continuous mowing. Hand pulling is not effective as there is a deep tap root and the plant can cause skin irritations.

Information provided by Alberta Invasive Plant Council

Resources

2011 Rural Municipality distribution Map

2010 Rural Municipality Distribution Map

Field Scabious MWSA 2009 Survey Map

Alberta Invasive Plant Council Fact Sheet


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