Sea Holly (Eryngium Maritimum)

The Sea holly (Eryngium maritimum) belongs to the family Apiaceae and is native to most European coastlines. Its burr-shaped flower resembles a flowering thistle, though it's metallic blue, rather than mauve. The protected dune plant grows to a height of 20 to 60 cm.

In Elizabethan times in England, these plants were believed to be a strong aphrodisiac.

"Let the sky rain potatoes;
let it thunder to the tune of Green-sleeves,
hail kissing-comfits and snow eringoes [sea-holly],
let there come a tempest of provocation..."

—Falstaff, Act 5, scene v, "The Merry Wives of Windsor", William Shakespeare

Sea holly (Eryngium maritimum) flowers. (© LightColourShade. All rights reserved)

Sea holly (Eryngium maritimum) leaves close-up
(© LightColourShade. All rights reserved)

Sea holly (Eryngium maritimum) bush. (© LightColourShade. All rights reserved)

Sea holly (Eryngium maritimum) flowers close-up.
(© LightColourShade. All rights reserved)

Sea holly (Eryngium maritimum). (© LightColourShade. All rights reserved)