SafePlants

Giant Scabious (Cephalaria gigantea)

Cephalaria is a genus of flowering plants within the Caprifoliaceae (formerly Dipsacaceae) family. The plant described here is Cephalaria gigantea, commonly known as Giant Scabious, Yellow Cephalaria, or Alpine Scabious.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Cephalaria has scabious-like flower-heads, which could potentially attract pets.

Considerations for Children

• One source mentions a "Giant Yellow Scabiosa (Cephalaria Gigantea) at Petting Zoo (children farm)", suggesting it is present in areas frequented by children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Cephalaria
• Species: gigantea
• Family: Caprifoliaceae (Teasel family, formerly Dipsacaceae)

Distribution and Habitat

• The genus Cephalaria comprises approximately 65 species native to southern Europe, western and central Asia, and northern Africa.
• Cephalaria gigantea is native to the region between the Caucasus and Siberia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Cephalaria species can be annuals or perennials.
• C. gigantea is a clump-forming perennial with pinnately divided or lobed basal leaves.
• It has tall, branched stems that can reach up to 1.8 to 2.5 meters (approximately 6 to 8 feet) in height.
• The flower-heads are light or pale butter-yellow, lemon yellow, or primrose yellow and can reach up to 6 cm across. They are described as scabious-like or pincushion-like.
• Leaves are sometimes divided.
• Cephalaria radiata has simple leaves arranged alternately along the stems. They are pinnatified with toothed margins.

Ecological Role

• The flowers of Cephalaria attract bees.
• Some species, like Cephalaria syriaca, are considered cornfield weeds.

Quirky Facts

• The name *Cephalaria* comes from the Greek word 'cephale', meaning head, which refers to the shape of the flower heads.

Additional Information

• Cephalaria is suitable for creating an informal cottage garden look and is ideal in loose planting schemes or at the back of a border.
• It is often used as a cut flower due to its long flowering period and tall stems.
• Best grown in moist, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun. Flowering stems tend to flop if plants are grown in anything less than full sun.