WSU Clark County Extension
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Blue Buttons

Scientific name: Knautia arvensis
Taxonomy
Family:Dipsacaceae
Type:Herbaceous perennials
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:4 to 10
Sun:Full sun
Plant Characteristics
Height:3 ft
Width:3 ft
Bloom:Summer flowers
Bloom Time:June to August
Bloom Color:Lavender
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description Commonly referred to as Blue Buttons or Field Scabious, this hardy garden perennail bears abundant lavender flowers all summer long.

  Morphology:
This is an herbaceous perennial which grows to 2’-3’ in height and up to 3’ across. Upper leaves are pinnately lobed, lobes become less defined further down the stem and basal leaves are un-lobed.

Flowers are 1 to 1-1/2 inches across and appear from June through August. Has a strong honey scent and is very attractive to nectar seeking insects

  Adaptation:
Blue Buttons are a native of dry grassland and open woodland, usually on alkaline soils. It prefers very well drained soils in full sun. Blue Buttons make for excellent cut flowers and are great in a wild flower garden.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
Computing and Web Resources, PO Box 6234, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-6234