Pincushion Flower

Pincushion flower, Scabiosa atropurpurea

Also known as mourning bride or pincushion flower, Scabiosa atropurpurea is a highly invasive species within the Blackland Prairie as well as parts of the western coast of the United States. Pincusion flower is known to form monocultures and push out natives within prairies and grasslands as it self-seeds. Introduced from parts of southern Europe and northern Africa, this species can now be found within a select number of states often introduced as a pollinator plant within pollinator seed starter kits. They are also cultivated to form a variety of colors. The name Scabiosa comes from scabies which the flower was once thought to cure.