Pictorial guide to the flora of the British Isles

Home ⟩ Pictorial Guide ⟩ Apiaceae / Umbelliferae ⟩ Eryngium maritimum / sea holly

Eryngium maritimum L.

sea holly (Apiaceae / Umbelliferae)

 SpreadBias within British IslesDirection of bias
WidespreadSlight tendencySW
Plant Atlas 2020
BSBI Distribution Map

Eryngium maritimum is a distinctive spiny-leaved plant of sandy beaches and dunes, which is common in southern parts, but rarer in Scotland.

West Wittering (VC13: West Sussex); 2017-08-14

 sea holly / Eryngium maritimum: _Eryngium maritimum_ is a distinctive spiny-leaved plant of sandy beaches and dunes, which is common in southern parts, but rarer in Scotland.

The flowers of Eryngium maritimum are purplish blue, matching the purplish tinge to the strongly glaucous leaves.

Oxwich (VC41: Glamorgan); 2017-08-23

 sea holly / Eryngium maritimum: The flowers of _Eryngium maritimum_ are purplish blue, matching the purplish tinge to the strongly glaucous leaves.

The fruits of Eryngium maritimum are relatively small, and remain hidden among the spiny bracteoles.

Oxwich (VC41: Glamorgan); 2017-08-23

 sea holly / Eryngium maritimum: The fruits of _Eryngium maritimum_ are relatively small, and remain hidden among the spiny bracteoles.

All images copyright © Christopher J. Dixon unless otherwise indicated.

L-R: Bidens tripartita, Melilotus officinalis, Mimulus guttatus, Thalictrum flavum, Ranunculus peltatus, Anchusa arvensis, Malva alcea, Lolium perenne