Sea Holly is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in sand dunes and shingle beaches, to a mature height of up to 60cm.
Sea Holly has tough, lobed and spiky, silver-green leaves surrounding ribbed stems. In mid-summer, It has globe-shaped flower heads, bearing blue clusters of flowers, interspersed with spiny bracts.
Botanic classification and naming: Sea Holly is a member of the Carrot (Apiaceae) family. The genus name
'Eryngium' identifies the plant as a Sea Holly and its species name 'maritimum' means 'coastal plant'.
Concerns: The Sea Holly has tough spines along its leaf edges, which may cause injury.
Benefits: One of several plants that help to bind and stabilise sand dunes.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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