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Field Eryngo

Eryngium campestre

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Apiales
Family:
Apiaceae (Carrot)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
50 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Fields, gardens, grassland, meadows, roadsides, seaside.

Flower:
֍
White, 5 petals
 
A rounded umbel-like head of white flowers with narrow spiny bracts. Field Eryngo is similar in appearance to Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum) but with a few subtle differences. The flowers of Sea Holly are bluish-white in larger umbels. Field Eryngo has narrower bracts than that of Sea Holly. The flowerheads of Field Eryngo are smaller than those of Sea Holly, measuring a maximum of just 1.5cm across. Pollinated by flies, bees and beetles.
Fruit:
Scaly, egg-shaped fruits.
Leaves:
Tough and stiff, pale green leaves. The spiny basal leaves are pinnate with long stalks. The leaves of Sea Holly are similar to the leaves of Field Eryngo but Sea Holly is tinted with a steel blue colour. The stems are even paler that the leaves and ribbed. The branches of Field Eryngo are longer and thinner than those of Sea Holly. Hairless perennial.
Other Names:
Flat Sea Holly, Watling Street Thistle.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Eryngium campestre, also known as the field eryngo or flat sea holly, is a species of flowering plant in the carrot family. It is native to Europe and is found in a variety of habitat types, including grasslands, meadows, and fields. Eryngium campestre is a perennial herb that grows to a height of about 50 cm (1.5 feet). It has spiny, green leaves and small, blue or violet flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are a popular nectar source for bees and other insects. Eryngium campestre is often used in gardens as an ornamental plant and is also used in naturalized plantings and in erosion control. It is generally easy to grow and does well in well-draining soil.

Blog

Field Eryngo, also known as Eryngium campestre, is a beautiful and unique wildflower that grows in many regions of the world. This plant is part of the Apiaceae family and is commonly found in meadows, pastures, and fields. It is a robust, hardy plant that is easy to grow and has a very distinctive appearance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike.

The Field Eryngo is a tall, upright plant that can grow up to 60 cm in height. Its leaves are lance-shaped, with a blue-green color and a sharp, spiky texture. The plant's stems are thick and sturdy, and they are covered in small, spiky bracts that give the plant a very unique appearance. The Field Eryngo's flowers are small and star-shaped, and they are surrounded by large, spiky bracts. The flowers are usually a pale blue or white color, and they bloom in the late summer and early autumn.

One of the most distinctive and attractive features of the Field Eryngo is its large, spiky bracts. These bracts are usually a pale blue or white color, and they give the plant a very striking appearance. They are also very useful for wildlife, providing shelter and protection for insects and small animals. The Field Eryngo is also a popular plant for use in dried flower arrangements, as its spiky bracts retain their shape and color even when dried.

The Field Eryngo is a hardy plant that is easy to grow and care for. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It is a drought-tolerant plant that does not require a lot of water, making it an excellent choice for gardeners in areas with limited rainfall. It is also a low-maintenance plant that does not require regular pruning or deadheading.

Field Eryngo is a beautiful and unique wildflower that is well worth adding to your garden or natural area. Its distinctive appearance, ease of care, and attractive bracts make it a great choice for nature enthusiasts, gardeners, and anyone looking to add a touch of beauty to their outdoor space.

Field Eryngo is also known for its medicinal properties. The plant's roots and leaves have been used for centuries to treat various ailments, including digestive problems, respiratory infections, and skin conditions. In traditional medicine, the roots of the Field Eryngo were used to make teas, decoctions, and infusions that were believed to have a calming effect on the body.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Field Eryngo is also a valuable plant for wildlife. The plant's flowers are a great source of nectar for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, and its large, spiky bracts provide shelter and protection for small insects and animals. This makes Field Eryngo a great choice for gardeners who are looking to create a wildlife-friendly garden.

Another great feature of Field Eryngo is its versatility. It can be grown in a variety of different garden styles, from traditional cottage gardens to more modern, minimalist gardens. It also looks great when planted in groups or as part of a mixed border, and its spiky bracts make it a great plant for adding interest and texture to your garden.

Field Eryngo is also a great plant for cutting gardens. Its long-lasting flowers and bracts make it an excellent choice for dried flower arrangements, and its hardy nature makes it easy to grow and care for. Whether you're looking to create a beautiful wildflower meadow or a stunning floral arrangement, Field Eryngo is a great choice that is sure to add beauty and interest to your garden.

Aside from its beauty and versatility, Field Eryngo is also a hardy plant that is able to thrive in a variety of conditions. It is native to many regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America, and it has adapted to a wide range of temperatures and soil types. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners who live in regions with unpredictable weather patterns or who are looking for a low-maintenance plant that can thrive with little care.

One of the reasons why Field Eryngo is so hardy is its deep roots. The plant's roots can grow several feet into the ground, making it less susceptible to drought and other environmental stressors. This means that Field Eryngo can continue to thrive even when other plants in your garden may struggle.

Another factor that contributes to Field Eryngo's hardiness is its ability to self-seed. This means that once you've established a Field Eryngo in your garden, it may continue to spread and grow on its own, without the need for replanting. This is a great feature for gardeners who are looking for a low-maintenance garden that can continue to thrive for years to come.

In conclusion, Field Eryngo is a beautiful, hardy, and versatile plant that is well worth considering for your garden. Whether you're looking to create a beautiful wildflower meadow, a stunning floral arrangement, or simply add a touch of interest to your garden, Field Eryngo is a plant that is sure to impress. With its deep roots, ability to self-seed, and adaptability to a wide range of conditions, Field Eryngo is a low-maintenance plant that is sure to bring beauty and interest to your outdoor space for years to come.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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