Pincushion Flower

Scabiosa caucasica

Unfortunate love, lost loved ones, purity.

Did you know

Scabiosa flowers look exactly like vintage pincushions, with prominent stamens projecting from the flower head like pins.
The name 'Scabiosa' comes from 'scabies' — the plant was historically used to treat skin diseases including the itchy mite-borne infection.
In Victorian flower language, dark mournful scabiosa varieties were used in funeral arrangements and to symbolize widowhood.
Scabiosas are a magnet for butterflies — they're a top recommended plant for any pollinator garden.
After the petals fall, the seedheads form perfect papery globes that are popular in dried arrangements.