Knapweed

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Knapweed is a perennial plant; it rises from the root, which is white, hard and woody with fibers annexed to it; the leaves are hairy, dented around the edges. Amid the leaves arises a long round stalk, 4-5 feet tall, divided into many branches, at the tops are great scaly green heads from the middle of which grow a number of dark purplish red threads; after they are withered and past, the black seeds appear.

Lying in a great deal of down, something like Thistle seed, only smaller. Knapweed is unprickly and has narrow, grayish leaves and purple, slightly scented flowers. Blooms in June and July and the seed is ripe shortly after. The larger knapweed (C. scabiosa) has the same virtues. It is distinguished by its brighter flowers and bigger size.

Where Found

Found in fields, meadows, borders, hedges, and in waste grounds everywhere.

Medicinal Properties

Stimulant, styptic

Legends, Myths and Stories

Young girls once wore knapweed underneath their bodice, believing it would flower should they chance to meet their future spouse.

Uses

Historically, herbalists valued this plant for addressing glandular disorders, often applying it locally as a hot poultice. Traditional practitioners also recommended it for bruises, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, wounds, running sores, sore throats, and swellings of the uvula and jaw. Folk traditions held that it alleviated catarrh, particularly when combined with speedwell, and employed it to stimulate the appetite following prolonged convalescence.

Additionally, the fresh flowers were sometimes consumed.

Bibliography

Culpeper’s Complete Herbal & English Physician: Updated With 117 Modern Herbs , by Nicholas Culpeper, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, 1990, (reprint of 1814) The Magic of Herbs , by David Conway, published by Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London, England. , 15 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023