Description

Sheepsbit is an attractive, short, native biennial with a mass of slightly spreading and slightly hairy leaves forming low, rounded tussocks. Although its rounded head of many bright blue (or occasionally white) flowers is similar to that of a scabious it is actually more closely related to the bellflowers. Flowers from May to September.

Habitat Information

Sheepsbit is a biennial of acidic, shallow, well-drained soils. It is most often found on sea-cliffs, in maritime grasslands and heaths and on grey dunes. It can also be found inland particularly in the west of the country where it is found on heath-land, stone walls and hedge banks. The plant is strongly reliant on seed for propagation and is a ready coloniser of disturbed or open sites. Lack of management or grazing often results in the loss of this species.

Growing Information

Grows readily from seed sown any time of the year.