Eryngium Campestre, member of the Apiaceae family. Height 40-80cm
Height of season April-June.
Eryngium Campestre attracts a wide variety of nectaring insects and because of this, it is also a very popular plant for many types of predators, stalking their prey. The unusual flowers are silver-green, and are arranged in globes and surrounded by a star of bracts and supported by rigid upright branched stems. Although often referred to as a thistle, Eryngium Campestre is a member of the Umbelliferae-carrot family.
Common and widespread in Spain but rare in UK. Where it is called “Field Eryngo, Watling Street Thistle”. The plant was discovered growing alongside the eponymous Roman road.
Plant prefers well drained ground.