Eryngium alpinum

Eryngium alpinum is a hemicryptophyte, its overwintering buds are situated just below the soil surface and the floral axis is more or less erect with a few leaves. The roots are deep and robust.

The stems are solitary and erect, usually with three branches on the apex and with longitudinal purple stripes. This plant generally reaches about 30–70 centimetres (12–28 in) in height, with a maximum of 100 centimetres (39 in). The basal leaves are oval or heart-shaped, 10–15 centimetres (3.9–5.9 in) wide and 13–17 centimetres (5.1–6.7 in) long, with toothed hedges and a long petiole. The cauline leaves are sessile and progressively more divided.

The inflorescences are dense umbels at the top of the main branches. They are bright green at the bases and the stiff, bristly bracts are blue. They are about 4 cm long and 2 cm in diameter and the bracts are up to 25 centimetres (9.8 in) long. The flowers inside are about 2 mm long. The peripheral flowers are sterile and the internal flowers are hermaphroditic. Both types are actinomorphic and pentamerous, with five petals. Flowering occurs from July through September. The flowers are -insect-pollinated. The fruit is a spiny achene about half a centimetre wide.

• Grows in clumps of stiffly erect, branched stems up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 2 ft. wide (60 cm)
• Performs best in full sun in fairly dry, poor to moderately fertile well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade, poor soils, drought and salt.
• Excellent choice for gravel gardens, cottage gardens and coastal gardens. May be planted as a single specimen or in groupings. Perfect for cut or dried flower arrangements too!
• Although you can cut back flower stems after flowering the seedheads are a very attractive feature so are usually left over in winter

 

 

Add To Project Request A Quote

Requirement
Hardiness	2,3,4,5,6,7,8
Heat Zones	6,7,8,9
Climate Zones	2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B
Plant Type	Perennials
Plant Family	Apiaceae
Exposure	Full Sun
Season of Interest	Summer, Fall, Mid Spring, Late Spring
Height	2' - 3'
Spread	1' - 2'
Water Needs	Low
Maintenance	Low
Soil Type	Chalk, Loam, Sand
Characteristics	Attracts Butterflies, Deer Tolerant, Drought Tolerant, Dry Soil Tolerant
Garden Styles	Coastal Garden, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow
Planting Place