 Due to the similarity of the common name of "sheep's-bit" with that of devil's-bit scabious ("Succisa pratensis"), it is sometimes called "sheep's-bit scabious" or "sheep scabious", but it is not related to the scabiouses (Dipsacoideae, Caprifoliaceae).This plant is found in the north temperate zone of Europe, west Asia and north Africa.It is a plant growing on heaths and moors in rocky or sandy districts, coastal cliffs, quarries and natural escarpments where the soil is thin.