Jasione montana L.
Sheep's Bit
Sheep's-bit is a charming native of acid, free-draining ground, found mainly in the west and along the coast. Despite its alternative name of sheep's scabious it belongs to the bellflower family, not the true scabiouses.
About
Sheep's-bit is a charming native of acid, free-draining ground, found mainly in the west and along the coast. Despite its alternative name of sheep's scabious it belongs to the bellflower family, not the true scabiouses. Low and often sprawling, it sends up slender stems to about 50cm, each carrying a neat, domed head of many tiny powder-blue flowers that gives the impression of a small pincushion. It favours thin, nutrient-poor soils and shuns lime, growing on heaths and dry grassland, sea cliffs, grey dunes, rocky banks and old walls.
Usually behaving as an annual or biennial, it flowers over a long season from May to September, at its best in high summer. The bright flower heads draw bees, hoverflies and butterflies to their nectar. It is an excellent choice for sunny, sandy or gravelly spots, coastal gardens, green roofs and acid heathland restoration, where its colour persists long after many spring flowers have faded.
Also known as
Sheep's Scabious · Sheep's-bit · Sheepbit
Synonyms
Jasione hispida · Jasione montana montana · Jasione vulgaris · Ovilla globulariiflora · Ovilla globulariifolia · Phyteuma montanum
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