Eryngium maritimum - Sea Holly - (Apiaceae)

Sea Holly is common on the coasts of Wales, England and Ireland, but absent from Scotland.

This plant is very attractive and much sought after for gardens with dry soils, and its removal from its natural habitat to flowerbeds may account for its decline in recent years.

Sea Holly

Sea Holly in sand dunes in South Wales

The flowers of Sea Holly are a very pretty lilac-blue, but the veined, jagged leaves are equally attractive and appear as if they have been 'frosted' - this effect is caused by a waxy covering which helps the plant to retain water in the windy and often inhospitable places where it lives.

Sea Holly

The large pale blue flowers of Sea Holly

The plant seldom grows higher thn a foot in height and the tough leaves are evident throughout the year even after they have turned brown. It flowers from July to September.

The pictures on this page were taken in Kenfig National Nature Reserve in South Wales.