Summary
Eryngium maritimum, also known as sea holly or coastal eryngo, is a perennial herb native to coastal dunes, saltmarshes and rocky shores of Europe and North Africa. It has spiky, blue-green leaves and large, thistle-like flowers that range in color from pale blue to white. The plant is tolerant of salt and drought and can grow in sandy or rocky soils. It is also well known for its ornamental value and often used in gardens and landscaping.
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Sea holly, scientifically known as Eryngium maritimum, is a plant species that belongs to the family Apiaceae. It is a hardy, herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the sandy beaches and coastal regions of Europe and Asia. The sea holly has striking metallic blue or green flowers, which make it an excellent ornamental plant for gardens and landscapes.
Appearance and Growth Habit
The sea holly has spiky, deeply lobed leaves that can reach a length of up to 30cm. The plant grows up to a height of 60cm and has a width of up to 50cm. The leaves are bluish-green in color and have a waxy coating that helps prevent water loss. The flowers of the sea holly are small and surrounded by a distinctive spiky collar of bracts that protects them from grazing animals. The flowers are typically metallic blue, but they can also be green or white in color, depending on the variety. The flowers bloom from mid-summer to early autumn and are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators.
Growing Sea Holly
Sea holly is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and care for. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil that is moderately fertile. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is also tolerant of salt spray and can be grown in coastal gardens. Sea holly is a drought-tolerant plant that requires minimal watering once established. It is also deer-resistant, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas where deer are a problem.
Uses of Sea Holly
Sea holly is primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its striking flowers and spiky foliage. The plant is also used in herbal medicine and has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive disorders, kidney problems, and skin diseases. The roots and leaves of the plant are rich in essential oils, flavonoids, and tannins, which are believed to have medicinal properties.
In addition, the sea holly is an important plant in the dune ecosystem, where it helps to stabilize sand dunes and prevent erosion. The plant has a deep taproot that helps it to anchor in the sand, and its spiky leaves and bracts protect the plant from wind and salt spray.
More Information about Sea Holly
Sea holly is a plant with a rich history and folklore. In ancient times, the plant was believed to have magical properties and was used in various rituals and ceremonies. In medieval times, the plant was associated with the Virgin Mary and was used as a symbol of her purity and chastity. The blue color of the flowers was also associated with heaven and the spiritual world.
In addition to its ornamental and medicinal uses, sea holly has also been used in the culinary world. The young leaves and stems of the plant can be cooked and eaten like asparagus, while the flowers and flower buds can be used as a garnish in salads and other dishes. The plant has a slightly bitter taste, which is similar to artichokes.
Sea holly has also been used in the textile industry. The dried stems of the plant were traditionally used to make buttons, which were highly valued for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. The stems were also used to make decorative items, such as wreaths and garlands.
Sea holly is also known for its ability to attract and support a diverse range of wildlife. The plant's spiky foliage and flowers provide an important habitat for insects such as bees, butterflies, and moths. In particular, the flowers of the sea holly are highly attractive to bumblebees, which use the nectar and pollen as a source of food. Other insects that are attracted to the sea holly include hoverflies, lacewings, and ladybirds, which are important predators of aphids and other garden pests.
In addition to insects, sea holly is also an important food source for birds. The plant produces small seeds that are high in fat and protein, making them a valuable source of nutrition for birds such as goldfinches and linnets. The spiky collar of bracts that surrounds the flowers also provides a protective barrier that helps to prevent birds and other animals from eating the flowers.
In some cultures, sea holly is also associated with good luck and prosperity. In traditional Chinese medicine, the plant is believed to have the ability to dispel evil spirits and protect against misfortune. In Japan, the plant is often used in flower arrangements and is associated with elegance and refinement.
Overall, sea holly is a plant that is rich in history, folklore, and ecological significance. Its striking appearance, hardiness, and adaptability make it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes around the world. Whether you are interested in ornamental gardening, herbal medicine, wildlife conservation, or cultural traditions, sea holly is a plant that is sure to capture your imagination and inspire your creativity.
Facts about Sea Holly
Here are some facts and a summary about sea holly:
- Sea holly (Eryngium maritimum) is a hardy, herbaceous perennial plant that is native to the sandy beaches and coastal regions of Europe and Asia.
- The plant has spiky, deeply lobed leaves that are bluish-green in color and have a waxy coating that helps prevent water loss.
- Sea holly flowers are small and surrounded by a distinctive spiky collar of bracts that protects them from grazing animals. The flowers are typically metallic blue, but they can also be green or white in color, depending on the variety.
- Sea holly is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and care for. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil that is moderately fertile. The plant can grow in a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It is also tolerant of salt spray and can be grown in coastal gardens.
- The plant is highly ornamental and is a favorite of gardeners and landscapers. It is also an important part of the dune ecosystem and has medicinal properties that have been valued for centuries.
- Sea holly is used in herbal medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive disorders, kidney problems, and skin diseases. The roots and leaves of the plant are rich in essential oils, flavonoids, and tannins, which are believed to have medicinal properties.
- The young leaves and stems of the plant can be cooked and eaten like asparagus, while the flowers and flower buds can be used as a garnish in salads and other dishes. The plant has a slightly bitter taste, which is similar to artichokes.
- Sea holly is also known for its ability to attract and support a diverse range of wildlife, including insects such as bees, butterflies, and moths, as well as birds such as goldfinches and linnets.
In summary, sea holly is a beautiful and versatile plant that is easy to grow and care for. It has ornamental, medicinal, culinary, and ecological uses and is rich in history, folklore, and cultural significance. Whether you are a gardener, herbalist, cook, or nature enthusiast, sea holly is a plant that is sure to capture your interest and inspire your creativity.
Video
Sea Holly filmed at Ainsdale and Crosby in Lancashire on the 3rd July 2023.
Music credits
Over Time by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Artist: http://audionautix.com/
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