Flat Sea Holly

(Eryngium planum)

Flat Sea Holly (Eryngium planum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Eryngium planum, commonly known as Flat Sea Holly, is a perennial herb that is often evergreen in milder climates but may die back in colder regions. It is native to grasslands and rocky areas in Central and Eastern Europe, extending into Central Asia. Typically, it reaches a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant has a striking appearance with its thistle-like, spiny leaves and bracts, which are often a silvery-blue color. The flowers are cone-shaped, surrounded by spiny bracts, and can exhibit hues of blue, silver, purple, and white, blooming in the summer and are highly attractive to pollinators.

Flat Sea Holly is valued for its unique texture and color in the garden, particularly its metallic blue flower heads that are showy and long-lasting, making it a favorite for cut flower arrangements. It is commonly used in borders, gravel gardens, and coastal gardens due to its tolerance of dry and poor soils. This plant thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil, preferably on the sandy or gravelly side. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. While generally pest and disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 2-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Blue, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Grasslands and rocky areas in Central and Eastern Europe, extending into Central Asia

Other Names

Common Names: Cross Thistle, Plains Eryngo, Blue Eryngo, Flat Eryngo, Kok-Bas, Flat Rattlesnake Master, Plains Coyote-Thistle, Plains Eryngo, Russisk Mandstro, Flachblättrige Mannstreu

Scientific Names: , Eryngium planum, Eryngium armatum, Eryngium planum var. armatum, Eryngium intermedium, Eryngium latifolium, Eryngium pumilum, Eryngium brunardii, Eryngium planifolium, Eryngium pusillum,

GBIF Accepted Name: Eryngium planum L.