Sea Holly Eryngium planum

Names

• Family

  Apiaceae

• Synonyms

  Flat Sea Holly, Blue Eryngo, Blue Hedgehog, Blue Thistle

• Common names

  Eryngium affine, Eryngium amethystinum, Eryngium caucasicum, Eryngium cuneifolium, Eryngium firmum, Eryngium glaucophyllum, Eryngium latifolium, Eryngium noeanum, Eryngium planifolium, Eryngium poterioides, Eryngium spina-alba, Eryngium supinum, Eryngium sylvaticum, Eryngium variifolium.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Flat Sea Holly is generally considered non-toxic to humans, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from consuming or coming into contact with this plant. Therefore, ingestion of Eryngium planum, commonly known as Flat Sea Holly, is not typically associated with toxicity or adverse health consequences in humans.

• To pets

  Flat Sea Holly is also not known to be toxic to pets, and there are no significant reports of pet poisoning from consuming or contacting this plant. As a result, ingestion of Eryngium planum, popularly known as Flat Sea Holly, does not pose a toxicity risk to pets, and no specific symptoms of poisoning are expected. However, it's always prudent to monitor pets around plants, as individual animals may have different sensitivities or reactions.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Blue

• Height

  2 feet (60 cm)

• Spread

  1.5 feet (45 cm)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Attracts Pollinators: Eryngium planum, commonly known as Sea Holly, is known for its striking blue flowers that are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, aiding in pollination in the garden.
• Drought Tolerance: Sea Holly is well-adapted to dry conditions, making it ideal for xeriscaping or in gardens where water conservation is a priority.
• Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, tolerating poor soil and needing little in the way of fertilization or pruning.
• Deer Resistance: The prickly texture and tough foliage of Sea Holly deter deer, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
• Ornamental Value: With its unique texture, striking flower heads and metallic blue color, Sea Holly serves as an attractive addition to bouquets and floral arrangements.
• Long Blooming Period: Its extended blooming period from mid-summer to early autumn provides lasting visual interest in the garden.
• Soil Erosion Control: The deep root system of Sea Holly helps to stabilize the soil, preventing erosion, particularly in sandy or coastal environments.
• Winter Interest: The dried flower heads of Sea Holly can remain on the plant through winter, adding structural interest to garden landscapes during the colder months.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Eryngium planum has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation in various ailments.
• Diuretic effect: The plant has been known to increase urine production, which can help in the management of certain urinary disorders.
• Antioxidant properties: It contains compounds that are believed to have antioxidant effects, which may protect cells from oxidative stress.
• Antimicrobial activity: The extract of the plant has been reported to possess antimicrobial properties against certain bacteria and fungi.
• Wound healing: There is traditional usage of Eryngium planum preparations in promoting the healing of wounds.
• Expectorant properties: The plant has been used to assist in clearing mucus from the respiratory tract.
• Antispasmodic effects: It may help in relieving muscle spasms or cramps.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Eryngium planum, commonly known as Sea Holly, can be used as a natural dye, producing a range of blue and green colors for textiles and artisan crafts.
• Sea Holly is appreciated in floral arrangements for its unique texture and lasting color, often used in dried bouquets and as a fresh cut flower.
• The plant can serve as an architectural feature in gardens due to its distinctive shape and striking blue flowers that add visual interest to landscape design.
• Sea Holly has been utilized in traditional crafts, such as the making of wreaths and other decorative items, especially for festive occasions.
• The plant is known to attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, enhancing pollination in gardens and agricultural settings.
• Sea Holly is sometimes used in companion planting as it is believed to repel certain pests that would otherwise harm nearby plants.
• The spiny leaves and stems of Sea Holly can act as a natural deterrent against garden pests like deer and rabbits, which tend to avoid its prickly texture.
• Its root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, particularly in sandy or coastal areas where the plant thrives.
• The striking appearance of Sea Holly makes it a popular choice for use in fashion and textile design, inspiring patterns and prints.
• Sea Holly seeds are sometimes incorporated into bird food mixtures, attracting a variety of birds to gardens and providing them with a nutritious food source.

Feng Shui

The plant Sea Holly is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant Sea Holly is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Protection: Eryngium planum, commonly known as Sea Holly, has thistle-like flowers and spiny leaves, suggesting its use in symbolism for protection and defense against negative forces.
• Independence: With its hardy and resilient nature, Sea Holly is often associated with independence and the ability to thrive in challenging environments.
• Persistence: The plant's ability to grow in poor soil and withstand drought conditions makes it a symbol of persistence and endurance.
• Attractiveness: Despite its tough appearance, Sea Holly has striking blue flowers that symbolize an attractive quality, perhaps referencing the idea of "hidden beauty" or allure amidst a harsh exterior.