devil in the bush
Nigella damascena L.
Devil in the bush is better known in many gardens as love-in-a-mist, a name that suits the fine green framework surrounding its flowers. It is an upright annual with branching, hairless stems and deeply divided foliage. Each upper stem ends in a solitary flower nestled in a whorl of leaflike bracts. NC State Extension: Nigella damascena
Botanical name
Nigella damascena L. is accepted in Ranunculaceae. The supplied name matches the current Kew treatment. Kew Plants of the World Online: Nigella damascena
Recognizing the plant
The showiest parts of the flower are petal-like sepals, commonly blue, while the true petals are much smaller. Numerous stamens surround the joined carpels at the center. Below the flower, finely divided bracts resemble the threadlike leaves. As the flower fades, the center expands into an egg-shaped, horned capsule, often nearly an inch across. These persistent pods give the plant a second distinctive phase after flowering. NC State Extension: Nigella damascena
Bloom window
North Carolina cultivation
In North Carolina cultivation, colonies usually flower from late spring into midsummer, with a display lasting roughly one to two months. NC State Extension: Nigella damascena
Native range
The native range extends from the Macaronesian islands across the Mediterranean region to northwestern Iran. It has been introduced widely elsewhere, including northern Europe and parts of North America. Kew Plants of the World Online: Nigella damascena
Botanical sources
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.