Serratula tinctoria

Description

Serratula tinctoria

Serratula tinctoria, commonly known as saw-wort or dyer’s plumeless saw-wort, is a hardy herbaceous perennial native to the UK. It typically reaches 30-80cm in height, occasionally taller in sheltered conditions, with an upright, clump-forming habit. The wiry, grooved stems carry narrow, dark green leaves with finely serrated edges, giving the plant its common name.

From midsummer into early autumn, branched clusters of small, thistle-like purple-pink flowers appear, providing a long season of interest and proving attractive to bees and other pollinators. The flowers are followed by decorative seed heads that extend the display well into autumn.

Cultivation is easy: grow in full sun or partial shade in moist, well-drained soil, including chalky or clay-based types. It is tolerant of poorer, low-fertility soils and thrives in a naturalistic planting scheme, wildflower meadow or border. Little maintenance is needed beyond an autumn or spring cut-back of old growth.