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(Eryngium leavenworthii)
Leavenworth’s Eryngo (Eryngium leavenworthii)
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Annika Lindqvist
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Annika Lindqvist
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Annika Lindqvist | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Annika Lindqvist | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-10-06T12:05:11-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Eryngium leavenworthii, commonly known as Leavenworth’s eryngo, is an annual herb native to the tallgrass prairies and glades of the central United States, particularly thriving in areas with calcareous soils such as limestone or chalk. It typically reaches heights of up to 3 feet. The plant’s natural habitat includes dry rocky prairies, roadside fields, open woodlands, and waste areas, where it contributes to the biodiversity and resilience of these ecosystems.
Leavenworth’s eryngo is notable for its striking purple or wine-colored flowers that bloom from July to September, and occasionally as late as November in some regions. The flowers, ranging from 1 1/2" to 3" in length and about 1/2" in width, are tightly clustered atop elongated stems with spiked leaves, forming cone-like inflorescences that resemble small fuzzy pineapples. This unique appearance often leads to it being mistaken for a thistle. In cultivation, it is valued for its drought tolerance and distinctive flower heads, which add a touch of wild beauty to gardens and attract pollinators. It is well-suited for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and naturalized areas. Leavenworth’s eryngo prefers full sun exposure and can thrive in soils with fast to medium drainage, requiring minimal water once established. However, gardeners should be aware that it may self-seed and spread if conditions are favorable, and its spiny leaves can be somewhat unwelcoming to handle.CC BY-SA 4.0
Leavenworth’s eryngo is notable for its striking purple or wine-colored flowers that bloom from July to September, and occasionally as late as November in some regions. The flowers, ranging from 1 1/2" to 3" in length and about 1/2" in width, are tightly clustered atop elongated stems with spiked leaves, forming cone-like inflorescences that resemble small fuzzy pineapples. This unique appearance often leads to it being mistaken for a thistle. In cultivation, it is valued for its drought tolerance and distinctive flower heads, which add a touch of wild beauty to gardens and attract pollinators. It is well-suited for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and naturalized areas. Leavenworth’s eryngo prefers full sun exposure and can thrive in soils with fast to medium drainage, requiring minimal water once established. However, gardeners should be aware that it may self-seed and spread if conditions are favorable, and its spiny leaves can be somewhat unwelcoming to handle.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to tallgrass prairies and glades of the central United States
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Eryngium leavenworthii, Eryngium leavenworthii f. albinum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Eryngium leavenworthii Torr. & Gray