Eryngium bourgatii | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Eudicots |
(unranked): | Asterids |
Order: | Apiales |
Family: | Apiaceae |
Genus: | Eryngium |
Species: | E. bourgatii |
Binomial name | |
Eryngium bourgatii Gouan |
Eryngium bourgatii (Mediterranean sea holly) is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae native to Morocco, Lebanon, Turkey, France, and Spain. It is a perennial herb growing to 15–45 cm (6–18 in) tall. The spherical blue flowerheads have spiny bracts.
The plant was named for a French medical doctor named Bourgat who collected plants in the Pyrenees in the company of the author of the species (Antoine Gouan) in 1766–67.
Numerous cultivars have been produced for garden use, of which 'Oxford Blue' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.