Biological Flora of Britain and Ireland: <i>Knautia arvensis</i>

This account presents information on all aspects of the biology Knautia arvensis (L.) Coult. (Field Scabious) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics presented within standard framework Biological Flora Britain Ireland: distribution, habitat, communities, responses biotic factors, environment, structure physiology, phenology, floral seed characters, herbivores disease, history conservation. is a perennial hemicryptophyte, with tap root system, bluish-lilac inflorescences. It native in Britain. occurs predominantly well-drained moderately dry soils such as grassy fields, pastures, roadsides hedge banks. has vast Eurasian distribution. Reproduction through production seeds rhizomes, though K. possesses very limited clonal growth. gynodioecious breeding system. Flowers nectariferous insect pollinated, showing sexual dimorphism several traits. hermaphroditic flowers protandrous self-compatible. mainly pollinated by butterflies (Lepidoptera), Hymenoptera, Coleoptera Diptera. genus noteworthy for high occurrence hybridisation polyploidy. widest distribution genus, both members same group taxa other groups frequently reported. Although declining natural habitats England, increasingly being sown wildflower mixtures used restoration schemes across country, it late flowering species provides good source nectar pollinators.