Greggane Strand, Rosscarberry, Co. Cork

Sea-holly Eryngium maritimum Cuileann trá Family: Apiaceae Flowering time: June-August. Perennial. Native. Round heads of tiny pale-blue flowers with prickly bracts, the fruit covered with short spines. The leaves are blue-green with conspicuous white veins, broad and leathery, 3-5 lobed and with very spiny edges. A hairless, bushy, rigid plant with stiff, erect stems. Height 30-60cm Coastal on sand or shingle beaches and dunes where it can sometimes be locally frequent.

Sea-holly, Eryngium maritimum, Cuileann trá