Scientific Name: Eryngium ovinum
Common Name: blue devil
Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots
Family: Apiaceae
Threatened Species Status: Vulnerable
Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.
Form Description: Annual herb, extremely prickly, with erect, rigid, much-branched stems.
Flowers: Heads of blue/purplish flowers, with long prickly bracts, develop a metallic blue colour.
Fruit: Schizocarp
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Widespread, usually inland, often in colonies.
Site Tolerance
Moist, Shady
Soil Tolerance
Clay, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
Flowering stems are often dried for use in floral arrangements.
Propagation Calendar
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Flowering Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Seed Collecting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Sowing Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Cutting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed Information
Seed Collection
May be grown from seed, generally with good results. The seeds, which are contained in prickly seed heads, are released 3-14 days after maturity. Harvest and dry the entire stalk. The dried stems may need to be beaten against a hard surface to facilitate the release of the seed, as seed may be difficult to extract due to the prickles.
Seed Treatment Method
Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.
Germination Time
4-8 weeks