Identification and Reproduction

Identification: 

• Field scabious is a tall perennial that grows from a deep taproot. 
• Stems are erect, hairy and sparsely branched. This plant grows up to 1.5 m tall. 
• Leaves are also hairy and the extent of the lobes are dependent on their life stage. As a rosette leaves are lance-shaped and pointed to a tip. After bolting, stem leaves are arranged oppositely, pinnately lobed and attached directly to the stem. Leaf size will decrease moving up the stem. 

• This plant produces composite flowers that are small (4 cm) and violet-blue to purple. Bracts are narrow and bright green. Flowering occurs between July and September. 
• After flowering the seedheads develop, becoming domed and covered in short hairs. 

Reproduction: 

• A single plant can produce up to 2,000 seeds per growing season. 

Habitat & Ecology

• It thrives in nutrient-rich and moderately dry soils but has also been known to establish in gravelly soils. 
• It prefers grassy areas with dry soils. 
• Currently present in BC in the specific regions: Bulkley-Nechako, Kootenay-Boundary, and Thompson-Nicola regions. 

Impacts

Social:

• This plant out-competes foraging and pasture plants. 
• Causes decline in hay production and pasture carrying potential. 
• Once established it is difficult to eradicate. 

Management

Prevention is a high priority for this plant. 

• Please report this plant if you think you have seen it. 

Mechanical/Manual Control: 

• Small, young infestations can easily be pulled by hand. 
• Repeated mowing can also help deplete the taproot resources. 
• Prior to flowering cultivation can be efficient. 
• Be sure to wear gloves, long sleeves and pants to prevent contact with plant hairs. 

Chemical Control: 

• Currently picloram and metsulfuron-methyl are registered for use on field scabious. 
• Please carefully read all labels prior to application. 

Resources

Download A Guide to Weeds in British Columbia: Field Scabious here. 

Header photo (Udo Schmidt).