Devil's-bit Scabious

This lovely plant got it's rather unnerving name from the fact that in the past it was thought that the long root formed in the first year, was thought to have been bitten off by the devil, as it later withers away when the side roots are formed.
All of a sudden the old raiway line seems to be full of this delightful plant which flowers in late summer.

Thanks so much for putting the spotlight on my gladiolus from yesterday.