Sea Holly – Eryngium maritimum

Plant : Sea Holly grows in coastal areas, as well as grown in gardens locally for its bright blue appearance.  It is a member of the Apiaceae family, although it does have the appearance of a thistle.  Its tall, branched stems grows up to 1 m high.  Each branch stem produces a terminal umbel of tiny flowers, which attract bees, butterflies and hoverflies.

Flower : The flowers are tiny and the stamen extend above the canopy of florets, where the pollen is easily accessed by pollinators.  It flowers in July and August.

Pollen : Click here to see more about Eryngium Maritimum pollen.

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