Mystery Scabious-like plant seen in S. W. Scotland

[ChrisB]

Saw this growing on cliffs at Portpatrick yesterday. Does anyone know what it is please?

[ashley]

Devil's Bit Scabious, Succisa pratensis, I think Chris.  A beautiful plant and very popular with various insects.

[Hoy]

I think it is Jasione montana.

[Karaba]

I agree with Hoy. Succisa pratensis have much broader leaves.
Jasione montana is an annual (bisannual ?).

[ashley]

Yes you're right.  I couldn't make out the leaves.
Sorry for the wrong steer Chris

[Anthony Darby]

So sheep's bit rather than devil's bit.

[Maggi Young]

In that area it might be  either plant - but I think, with the little leaves,the Jasione is the bet.

[Carlo]

...a 'bit' of this...a 'bit' of that...

[Maggi Young]

 

...a 'bit' of this...a 'bit' of that...

   

[ian mcdonald]

Sheeps bit and not all that common either.

[Maggi Young]

  just to change the topic thread.

[ChrisB]

Thank you folks it had tiny leaves and at first I couldn't figure out which were the leaves, but following the flower stem back to the plant it had a lot of little leaves. I confused it with an Armeria growing in the same place.  but it was a lovely plant. Don't have my ID books here with me.... And I've never encountered it before. Could not see any more of it around their either which was odd. On the other side of the path there were loads of crocosmia!  Was on the path leading up to the hotel that overlooks the bay.

[Matt T]

There are also significant differences in the flowers - those of devil's bit are more rounded - both the individual petals and the flower head as a whole, which is rather button-like, if you imagine a padded upholstery button.

[Maggi Young]

There are also significant differences in the flowers - those of devil's bit are more rounded - both the individual petals and the flower head as a whole, which is rather button-like, if you imagine a padded upholstery button.

Yes, well put, Matt - hard to tell that from Christine's photo though.

[Hoy]

I am not in doubt - Jasione montana is common around our summerhouse and Succisia pratensis is common around where I live.

Jasione also prefer rather dry sites while Succisia prefer moister sites.

Here are a few pictures of Jasione. You can also find white flowered specimens of both species.