This introduction from the Caucasus can persist on one place for a long time and this plant has been known at this site for a few years now. It is well named Giant Scabious for it grows over 2m tall and is covered in blooms in mid summer.

It is dotted around in England and southern Scotland but not in Wales or Ireland.

Roadside near St Helens 18th July 2005

Added on 20th September 2005, updated 26th November 2008, updated 12th March 2010