Eryngiums make a striking addition to dry, sunny borders and gravel gardens. They have thistle-like flowers, made up of tiny flowers packed together in a tight cluster, surrounded by a ruff of spiny bracts. The flowerheads last well when cut and can also be dried.
Eryngium yuccifolium, or button snakeroot, has small oval-shaped flowerheads held on branching stems. The foliage is glaucous and somewhat resembles that of yuccas, hence its scientific name. It’s perfect for growing in a mixed herbaceous border or gravel garden and makes a wonderful cut flower, both in fresh and dried arrangements.
For best results grow Eryngium yuccifolium in free-draining soil, in a sunny position. Protect from excessive winter wet. Propagate by dividing off the offsets that grow at the base of mature plants.
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Eryngium and wildlife
Eryngium is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
