Medium/ tall native with thistle-like, pink/purple flower heads from July to September.
Distribution: Native perennial across theUKon grassland, road sides and cliffs.
Habitat: Grassland and hedgerows in sunny sites. It tolerates poor soils and grows well in chalky soils.
Description: Medium to tall plant with thistle-like, dark flower heads with numerous deep pink/purple florets at the top of the flower head from July to September. Very similar to (Lesser) Knapweed but Greater Knapweed is a larger plant and the flower heads look more ragged.
Uses: It was used in 17 th
century to treat wounds, ruptures, bruises, sores, scabs and sore throats.
Wildlife: Source of nectar for bees and butterflies and later, finches are attracted to the seed heads when ripe.
