Herb: Greater Knapweed


Latin name: Centaurea scabiosa


Family: Compositae



Medicinal use of Greater Knapweed:

The roots and seeds are diaphoretic, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary. The plant once had a very high reputation as an ingredient of the Medieval "salve", an ointment applied to heal wounds and treat skin infections.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
90 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Pastures, field edges and roadsides, usually on chalk.

Propagation of Greater Knapweed:

Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring. This should be done at least once every three years in order to maintain the vigour of the plant. Basal cuttings in spring. Harvest the shoots when they are about 10 - 15cm long with plenty of underground stem. Pot them up into individual pots and keep them in light shade in a cold frame or greenhouse until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer.

Cultivation of the herb:

Pastures, field edges and roadsides, usually on chalk.

Known hazards of Centaurea scabiosa:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.