White Eryngo Eryngium eburneum
ABOUT
Eryngium eburneum, commonly known as Sea Holly, is a striking plant with a distinctive appearance that sets it apart in the garden. Its foliage comprises a rosette of lance-shaped, deep green leaves that often feature spiny edges, giving the plant a somewhat thorny and rugged look. The leaves can have a leathery texture and may appear almost metallic or glaucous, which adds to the plant's unique visual texture. The most eye-catching feature of Sea Holly is its flowers. They bloom in cone-shaped inflorescences that are typically surrounded by a ruff of spiky bracts. These bracts vary in color, usually taking on shades of silver, blue, or green, sometimes with hints of steel or amethyst. The true flowers themselves are small and often found clustered at the center of these colorful bracts, and they can be steel blue or even purplish. During the blooming season, Sea Holly becomes a hub of activity, attracting various pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The contrast between the spiny, almost intimidating look of its foliage and bracts, and the attractive flowers creates a dramatic visual impact in any setting where it is planted. Sea Holly's overall structure is quite robust, with stems that are stiff and sturdy, capable of supporting the weight of the uniquely shaped blooms. The plant exudes an architectural quality with its upright stature and the way its striking flower heads stand out boldly against the foliage. In cultivation, Sea Holly is appreciated for its unusual texture, distinctive color palette, and its ability to bring a touch of the wild, untamed look to gardens. Its appearance suggests a resilience and toughness that is quite fitting to its common name, alluding to the coastal areas where such resilient plants are often found.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Apiaceae
Synonyms
White Eryngo, Ivory Thistle, Sea Holly
Common names
Eryngium eburneum
ToxicityTo humans
Eryngium eburneum, more commonly known as the sea holly, is not typically known for being toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting sea holly, and it does not appear on lists of poisonous plants. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities could occur. If you suspect poisoning from any part of the plant, consult a medical professional for advice.
To pets
Sea holly is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets. There is no significant evidence suggesting that Eryngium eburneum poses a threat to pets such as dogs and cats if ingested. Still, it is generally advisable to prevent pets from consuming plants, as individual animals might have unique sensitivities, and ingestion could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions. If you notice any unusual symptoms after your pet has ingested this plant, contact your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Blue-green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Eryngium eburneum is known to attract bees and other pollinating insects, which is beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: This plant has a high level of drought tolerance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It requires minimal maintenance once established, which can save time and resources for gardeners.
- Unique Aesthetic: With its striking appearance, Eryngium eburneum can add visual interest and texture to garden designs.
- Resistant to Pests: It's generally resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Soil Stabilization: Its root system can help to stabilize soil, preventing erosion in certain settings.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is known to be deer resistant, making it a good choice for gardens in areas with a high deer population.
- Adaptability: Eryngium eburneum can thrive in a variety of soil types, including poor soils, thereby increasing its versatility in landscape use.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Eryngium eburneum, commonly known as sea holly, can be used in floral arrangements for its attractive, thistle-like flower heads, providing a unique texture and silvery-blue color to bouquets and dried flower compositions.
- The sea holly's long-lasting blooms and structural form make it an excellent choice for enhancing the visual interest in winter gardens when most other plants have died back or gone dormant.
- The plant's root system is known to prevent soil erosion, making it a useful species for planting in coastal areas or other spots where soil retention is necessary.
- The stiff, spiny leaves of Eryngium eburneum can be utilized as a natural deterrent for garden pests such as rabbits and deer, who typically avoid the sharp foliage.
- In landscaping, sea holly serves as an architectural plant, providing height and drama to garden designs with its vertical growth habit and striking flower bracts.
- Sea holly is often included in xeriscaping, thanks to its tolerance for drought and poor soils, making it ideal for water-conserving gardens.
- The metallic sheen of sea holly flowers is sometimes used in artistic metalwork designs as a natural motif, inspiring patterns and decorative elements in iron and other metals.
- Eryngium eburneum can be planted as a companion plant in vegetable gardens to attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which are important pollinators for many crops.
- Photographers and painters may use the plant as a subject to capture its unique geometric form and color, thereby using the plant as a muse for artistic creations.
- In culinary arts, while not a common use, the young shoots and leaves of the sea holly have been used historically as a flavoring agent similar to coriander when pickling vegetables.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Sea Holly is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Sea Holly is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Eryngium eburneum, commonly known as sea holly, is often associated with protection due to its spiny leaves and bracts, which give the impression of a natural armor.
- Independence: The plant’s ability to thrive in dry and poor soil conditions makes it a symbol of independence and self-reliance.
- Persistence: Sea holly's resilience to harsh coastal winds and salt spray signifies persistence and the ability to endure difficult environments.
- Attraction: Historically, sea holly was believed to be an aphrodisiac, and thus it can symbolize attraction or allure.
WaterSea Holly should be watered moderately to maintain slightly moist soil, especially during its growing season in spring and summer. It's important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot. Depending on the climate and weather conditions, this could translate to watering once every 7 to 10 days. When watering Sea Holly, provide enough water so that it reaches the roots, but avoid waterlogging the soil. On average, using about one gallon every two weeks should suffice, but always adjust according to the plant's response and the environmental conditions.
LightSea Holly thrives best in full sun conditions, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. It's ideal to place it in a spot where it can enjoy continuous sun exposure throughout the day. This plant is well-suited for open areas or sunny borders where its striking blue color can stand out and it can receive ample light.
TemperatureSea Holly can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but grows best when the temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 5°F and maximum temperatures well above 85°F. However, for optimum growth and flowering, maintaining the ideal temperature range is advisable.
PruningSea Holly may be pruned to remove spent flower heads and to shape the plant, which encourages new growth and a tidier appearance. Pruning is typically done in late autumn or early spring. This plant does not require frequent pruning; once a year is usually sufficient. The best time for pruning is when the flowers have faded, and the plant starts to go dormant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Sea Holly is a well-draining sandy or loamy soil with a pH ranging from 5.8 to 7.2. It prefers dry to medium moisture, not requiring rich soils.
RepottingSea Holly does not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years as it does not appreciate root disturbance; repotting every 3-4 years or as necessary is sufficient.
Humidity & MistingSea Holly thrives in average humidity conditions and does not require any special humidity adjustments, being quite tolerant of dry atmospheres.
Suitable locationsIndoor
For Sea Holly, place in bright light, keep soil well-drained.
Outdoor
Plant Sea Holly in full sun, well-draining soil, low water.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleEryngium eburneum, commonly known as ivory thistle, starts its life cycle as a seed, where it requires a period of stratification or chilling to break dormancy. Upon germination, the seedlings grow into rosette-forming plants, with deeply rooted systems adapting to various soils. After establishing, the ivory thistle enters a vegetative stage characterized by the development of its spiky, blue-green foliage. Following the vegetative stage, it progresses to the reproductive phase, where it produces tall flower stalks topped with thistle-like flower heads that attract pollinators. These flowers eventually give way to seed heads, dispersing seeds that contribute to the spread of the plant and the continuation of its lifecycle. The plant may persist for several years as it is a perennial, with dormant periods during adverse conditions and regrowth in favorable seasons.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Eryngium eburneum, commonly known as ivory thistle, generally propagates best through seed. Sowing seeds is the most popular method for propagating this perennial plant. To effectively propagate by seed, one should ideally do so in late winter to early spring, allowing the seeds to germinate and establish before the growing season begins. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil, just beneath the soil's surface, and kept moist until germination. Seedlings usually appear within 2 to 3 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown large enough to handle, typically when they have at least a pair of true leaves, they can be transplanted to their permanent growing location in the garden.
