Sea Holly

Eryngium maritimum

Sea Holly has spiky blue flowers that look like little stars! It loves to grow near the ocean or sandy areas.

Habitat: Coastal dunes and sandy areas

Appearance

The Sea Holly is a strikingly architectural plant with stiff, leathery, spiky leaves that are a distinctive silvery-blue-green color. Its unique thistle-like flowers are also metallic blue-green, surrounded by sharp, pointed bracts, making it visually stand out against sandy coastal landscapes.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderApialesFamilyApiaceaeGenusEryngium

Sea Holly

Interesting facts

During Shakespeare's time, Sea Holly roots were believed to have magical powers, even as an aphrodisiac!

Its candied roots were a popular sweet treat, once called 'Eryngo' kisses, especially in Victorian times!

Sea Holly is a pioneer plant, meaning it's one of the first plants to grow and help stabilize new sand dunes.

The plant's unique metallic blue color comes from special air pockets and waxy coatings, not just pigment.

Special abilities

Sea Holly has a super long taproot that anchors it in shifting sands and helps it find deep underground water sources.

Its thick, waxy, and often spiny leaves help Sea Holly reduce water loss and tolerate salty sea spray.

Sea Holly's roots help stabilize sandy dunes, preventing erosion and creating habitat for other plants.

Measurements & details

Height: 30-60 cm
Spread: 30-60 cm
Flower Size: 2-4 cm
Bloom Season: Summer
Is Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Attracted to its nectar-rich blue flowers.

pollinates

Buff-tailed Bumblebee

Bombus terrestris

A frequent visitor collecting nectar and pollen.

eaten by

European Rabbit

Oryctolagus cuniculus

Can browse on young shoots and leaves in coastal areas.

symbiotic with

Marram Grass

Ammophila arenaria

Often grows nearby, helping stabilize coastal sand dunes.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Cluster Flower

Discover how these flowers grow together in beautiful groups, creating a big splash of color that catches your eye. It's like a tiny bouquet, all natural!

Shrub

These amazing plants are like nature's bushy sculptures, having woody stems that branch out from the ground to create a lovely, full shape.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Salt Tolerant

These resilient plants are tough cookies that can thrive even when there's salt in the soil or air, often found happily living near the ocean.

Coastal

Discover life found along the edges where land meets the sea! These habitats are always changing with the tides and waves, offering unique environments.