sea holly

American  

noun

1. the eryngo, Eryngium maritimum.

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sea holly British  

noun

1. a European umbelliferous plant, Eryngium maritimum, of sandy shores, having spiny bluish-green stems and blue flowers

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Etymology

Origin of sea holly

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

By midday, they moved on to blue star amsonia, Little Trudy catmint, sea holly and pasqueflower, which bloomed early in the season and provided food to pollinators building their nests.

From Washington Post • Aug. 31, 2022

Miss Willmott's Ghost is a silvery, spiky sea holly that has a ghost-like appearance in gardens at dusk.

From BBC • May 27, 2022

Meghan and Prince Harry sent a floral wreath, with locally sourced flowers, which included the national flower of Greece, to represent Prince Philip's heritage, and sea holly, to represent the Royal Marines.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2021

Walk along the wild and extensive sands, shingle and dunes of the north coast, with its rich tangle of colonising grasses, sea holly and orchids, back to the main beach.

From The Guardian • May 11, 2019

In some instances buds form on the roots, and may be used for purposes of propagation, as in the Japan quince, the globe thistle, the sea holly, some sea lavenders, Bocconia, Acanthus, &c.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 7 "Horticulture" to "Hudson Bay" by Various