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Description
Eryngium Nasturtiifolium, commonly known as the water eryngo or marsh eryngo, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the carrot family. It is native to North America and can be found growing in wetlands, swamps, marshes, and along stream banks. The plant produces a basal rosette of leaves and tall, branched stems that can reach up to 1.5 meters in height. The stems are covered in spiny bracts that protect the plant from herbivores and also make it an attractive addition to gardens.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Eryngium |
Appearance
The water eryngo has a unique appearance that makes it stand out in gardens and natural areas. The plant produces a basal rosette of leaves that are deeply lobed and toothed. The leaves can grow up to 30 centimeters in length and are covered in short hairs. The stems of the plant grow tall and are covered in spiny bracts that are blue-green in color. The flowers of the plant are small and white, and they form in clusters at the top of the stems. The fruits of the plant are small, dry, and have a prickly texture.
Care Guide
Water eryngo is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for keeping your plant healthy:
- Water: Water eryngo prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly during dry periods.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require regular fertilization, but you can add a slow-release fertilizer in the spring to encourage growth.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-drained, fertile soil. If your soil is heavy, you can add sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Water eryngo prefers full sun to partial shade. Make sure to plant it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Water eryngo is not typically affected by pests or diseases. However, here are some issues to watch out for:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause yellowing and stunted growth. Use an insecticidal soap to control them.
- Fungal diseases: Wet conditions can lead to fungal diseases like root rot and powdery mildew. Make sure to plant water eryngo in well-drained soil and avoid overhead watering.
Habitat
Water eryngo is native to North America and can be found growing in wetlands, marshes, swamps, and along stream banks. The plant prefers moist soil and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Is water eryngo a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant is known to attract bees and butterflies.
Q: Can water eryngo be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s deep roots.
Q: Is water eryngo deer resistant?
A: Yes, the spiny bracts on the stems make the plant unappealing to deer.
Q: Can water eryngo be propagated by seed?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by seed. Sow the seeds in the fall or early spring.
Related Plants
- Eryngium planum
- Eryngium yuccifolium
- Eryngium giganteum
References
- “Eryngium Nasturtiifolium.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287232&isprofile=0&
- “Eryngium Nasturtiifolium.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ERNAN
- “Water Eryngo.” Illinois Wildflowers. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/wetland/plants/wt_eryngo.html
