Centaurea scabiosa

This perennial, purple-flowered relative of the cornflower is a British native. It can be found in dry, chalky, grassy fields and rough ground, but is tolerant of a wide range of soils. It's common throughout the British Isles especially on Brayton Barff and at RSPB Fairburn Ings nature reserve. It is very attractive to butterflies and bees. It is a thistle-like plant and flowers from June to September.