Greater knapweed

Centaurea scabiosa

Layer 4 · Herbaceous
Attracts pollinators

Status by region

No restrictions recorded in the lists we checked.

Checked against the European Union list (Regulation 1143/2014) · Portugal's national invasive species list (Decreto-Lei 92/2019).

Information based on the cited sources, not legal advice — always confirm your local rules.

About

European herbaceous perennial with purple flowers which form an important nectar source for bees and butterflies. In the herbaceous layer of a food forest, it serves as a melliferous plant in meadows and borders. It prefers calcareous soils and sunny locations.

It can be planted now — September is one of the best months.

See which trees greater knapweed grows well with

These trees share this species' soil and climate — the pairing is inferred from conditions, not from a guild we have already seen.

No account needed.

Needs

Water: Low
Light: Full sun
Size: Herbaceous perennial up to 1 m
Mature diameter: 0.5 m
Soils: Limestone, Loam, Sandy
Climates: Atlantic coast, Inland / Continental, Hot, dry Mediterranean

Calendar

January
February
March — Planting
April — Planting
May
June — Harvest
July — Harvest
August — Harvest
September — Planting
October — Planting
November
December

Harvest
Planting

Medicinal use: Historically, the leaves and roots were used in infusions for their astringent, diuretic and wound-healing properties.

Where to buy

Central trees worth considering

May work well together — same soil and climate, complementary layers. We have not seen this combination in a generated guild yet.

May grow well with

Suggestions worked out from growing conditions — same soil and climate, complementary layers and functions. These are not observed guilds; treat them as a starting point to try on your own land.