Greater Knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) is a British native wildflower which grows in many different environments, including dry chalky grasslands, roadsides, hedgerows and cliffs throughout the UK. Like most wildflowers, it is very drought-tolerant and loved by our native pollinators and many species of butterfly, such as the Marbled White, Painted Lady and Green-veined White, to name but a few.

Purple-red flowers on tall, strong stems, in June, July and August, which can be cut and used in displays. Grow in a wildflower meadow or wildlife area or in a bed or border.

Common names include Greater Knapweed; Ironhead; Black Top; Churls Head; Hardhead; Logger Head; Horse Knops; Bottleweed; Bullweed.

The flower head is a hard, solid mass, giving the plant local names such as Ironhead and Hardhead. The name Knapweed also comes from this feature, 'knap' being derived from knop or knob.