Knautia

Knautia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caprifoliaceae, native to Europe and Western Asia. Commonly known as pincushion flowers or sometimes scabiosa, these plants are often cultivated for their attractive, pincushion-like flower heads. The genus name honors the German botanist Christoph Knaut.

Plants in the genus Knautia typically feature deeply lobed or pinnately divided leaves, often forming a basal rosette. The most distinctive feature is their flower heads, which are composed of numerous small florets. These florets are usually arranged in a dense, hemispherical or spherical cluster, resembling a pincushion. The colors of the flowers can vary, commonly including shades of purple, pink, blue, and white. The blooming season generally occurs from late spring through summer.

Knautia species are often found in meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands. They are generally hardy plants, preferring well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Due to their ornamental appeal, several species and cultivars are popular in garden settings, used in borders, cottage gardens, or as cut flowers. Some species, like Knautia arvensis, are also noted for attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The genus is closely related to the genus Scabiosa, and some species have been historically classified under both genera.