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Pincushion
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Pincushion

Scabiosa

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NamePincushion
DescriptionCharming perennial with distinctive dome-shaped flower heads resembling a pincushion filled with pins, featuring numerous protruding stamens and stigmas that create the characteristic cushion effect. Blooms come in soft pastel shades of blue, purple, pink, white, and cream, attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Native to Europe and Mediterranean regions, these long-lasting flowers are excellent for cutting and make delightful additions to cottage gardens and wildflower meadows.
FamilyCaprifoliaceae
GenusScabiosa
TribeDipsaceae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula% K5 C5 A4 G(2)

This formula indicates a % represents that the flower is zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical), K5 represents the calyx, which consists of 5 sepals, C5 represents the corolla, which is composed of 5 petals, A4 indicates the androecium, consisting of 4 stamens, G(2) represents the gynoecium, which is made up of 2 fused carpels, ovary is inferior

Features
  • Etymology: Name 'Scabiosa' from Latin 'scabies' (itch or scab), as plant was historically used to treat skin conditions and scabies. 'Pincushion' describes flower heads with pin-like stamens protruding from cushion-shaped center. 'Mourning Bride' refers to dark purple/black centers resembling Victorian mourning attire. About 80-100 Scabiosa species worldwide
  • Unique Characteristics: Flower heads composed of outer ring of larger ray florets surrounding dense center of smaller disc florets. Stamens and styles protrude prominently, creating distinctive pincushion appearance. Flowers have sweet, honey-like fragrance. Excellent cut flowers lasting 7-10 days in vase. Attracts wide variety of pollinators including butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Blooms continuously with deadheading
  • Plant Type & Blooming: Herbaceous perennial (some species annual or biennial). Blooms late spring through fall (May-October), peak summer. Flowers last 5-7 days individually, continuous blooming with deadheading. Each bloom 1.5-3 inches (4-7.5 cm) across. Flowers held on long, wiry stems 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) above foliage
  • Size, Lifespan & Propagation: Height: 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) depending on species. Spread: 12-18 inches (30-45 cm). Lifespan: 3-5 years (perennials), self-seeds readily. Propagation: seeds (sow spring or fall), division (spring), basal cuttings. Seeds germinate in 14-21 days. Moderate growth rate
  • Native Region & Distribution: Native to Europe, Mediterranean region, Caucasus Mountains, and temperate Asia. S. columbaria (Small Scabious) widespread across Europe. S. caucasica (Caucasian Scabious) from Caucasus region. Naturalized in North America (California, Pacific Northwest). Grows in meadows, grasslands, rocky slopes, and limestone areas
  • Climate & Growing Conditions: Thrives in full sun (6-8 hours daily). Prefers cool to moderate climates (USDA zones 3-9 depending on species). Temperature: 50-75°F (10-24°C) ideal. Soil: well-drained, alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5-8.0), tolerates poor, rocky, chalky soils. Loves limestone. Water: moderate, drought-tolerant once established. Avoid wet, heavy soils. Deadhead for continuous blooms. Cut back after flowering for rebloom

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificScabiosa
English (Alternate)Sweet Scabious, Mourning Bride, Mournful Widow, Egyptian Bride, Starflower Pincushion
Hindiपिनकुशन (Pincushion), पिन्कुशन पुष्प (Pincushion Pushp)
Tamil ஊசிக்குத்து பூ (Uusikkuththu Poo), குத்துப்பூ (Kuththuppoo)
Teluguపిన్‌కుషన్ పువ్వు (Pincushion puvvu), కలువ (kalva)
Malayalamസ്കേബീഅസ (Skebeesa)
Kannadaಆಣಿಮೂಡಾವೆ (aaNimooDaave), ಸ್ಕಾಬಿಯೋಸಾ ಹೂವು (Scabiosa Hoovu)
Sanskritकलंजनी (Kalanjani)
Bengaliস্ক্যাবিওসা (Scabiosa)
Frenchscabieuse
Russianскабиоза (skabioza)
Spanishescabiosa
GermanSkabiose

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.