Description of Eryngium campestre
Eryngium campestre, also known as the field eryngo, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to Europe and western Asia, but it has been introduced to other regions and can be found in parts of North America and Australia.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the field eryngo, the flat sea-holly, and the common eryngo.
General Appearance
Eryngium campestre grows up to 100 cm tall and has a deep taproot. The stem is solid and branching, covered in fine hairs. The leaves are basal, with deeply toothed margins, and are often deeply lobed. The flowers are small and white, clustered in tight prickly heads that are surrounded by spiny bracts. In its natural habitat, it blooms from June to July.
Uses
Eryngium campestre has a long history of medicinal use, mainly as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent. The root of the plant contains essential oils that have been used to treat kidney and urinary tract infections, as well as skin disorders and rheumatism. The plant is also used as a decorative element in gardens, thanks to its striking appearance and long-lasting blooms. Additionally, the prickly seedheads of E. campestre are used in dry flower arrangements, due to their unique texture and color.
Light Requirements
Eryngium campestre typically requires full sun exposure with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive. This plant is not well-suited for shady or partially shaded areas as poor light exposure can lead to stunted growth, reduced flowering, and weakened overall health.
Temperature Requirements
This plant can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, from hot summers to cold winters. However, optimal growth is observed at moderate temperatures ranging between 20°C to 25°C. Eryngium campestre can adapt to hardy conditions as low as -15°C and up to 35°C. However, frost and extreme heatwaves can affect plant health and growth.
Soil Requirements
Eryngium campestre prefers well-drained, loamy soils that are rich in nutrients. It can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam, and loamy soils. However, the plant cannot tolerate water-logged soils and may suffer from root rot if subjected to prolonged flooding. Soil pH for Eryngium campestre needs to be between 5.5 and 8.0. Adding compost, manure, and mulch to the soil can improve soil quality, promote aeration, and aid in water retention.
Cultivation methods
Eryngium campestre, commonly known as Field eryngo, is a species of flowering plant that requires well-draining alkaline or neutral soil types to grow. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, including full sun and drought. The best planting time is during the early spring, and the plant prefers a site with an adequate amount of space to grow.
Watering needs
Overwatering the plant can cause its root to rot, and to avoid this, it's recommended to water it sparingly. The plant can survive on natural rainfall, but in drought conditions, frequent watering is necessary. The best time to water is early in the morning or late in the evening. This gives the plant time to absorb moisture before the sun dries it out.
Fertilization
Field eryngo is not a heavy feeder and will benefit from minimal fertilization. In most cases, organic soil amendments such as compost, aged manure, or worm castings are sufficient to boost the plant's growth. Avoid using chemical fertilizers, as they can damage the beneficial soil organisms that support the plant's growth. Apply fertilizer during the early spring as the plant starts growing.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for the Field eryngo plant. However, if you want to remove any dead or diseased branches, do it during the early spring. You can also prune the plant to control its spread since it has the potential to self-seed and spread rapidly. It's important to wear gloves and use a sharp cutting tool to avoid damaging the plant's leaves, and also to disinfect the tools before use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Eryngium campestre
Eryngium campestre is commonly propagated through seeds. However, it is possible to propagate the plant vegetatively through cuttings and division.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Eryngium campestre is through seeds. Wait until the seeds have ripened and have turned brown. Collect the seed heads and dry them in the sun for a few days. Once they are completely dry, shake the head gently to release the seeds. Sow the seeds directly in the soil or in seed trays filled with a well-draining potting mix. Water regularly and keep the soil moist until the seeds have germinated.
Cutting Propagation
Eryngium campestre can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings. Choose a healthy, mature stem, and cut it just below the node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone, and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a bright spot out of direct sunlight until roots have formed.
Division Propagation
Eryngium campestre can also be propagated through division. Wait until the plant is mature and has a good root system. Gently dig up the plant, and separate the roots into smaller clumps. Replant each clump in a well-draining potting mix, and keep the soil moist until new growth emerges.
Disease Management
Eryngium campestre is known to be relatively resistant to most diseases. However, it is susceptible to leaf spot diseases, rust, and powdery mildew. These fungal diseases usually occur during humid weather, and their presence can be confirmed by observing yellow spots or powdery white coatings on the leaves.
To manage these diseases, it is important to practice good sanitation measures such as removing and destroying fallen debris promptly. This helps to minimize the chances of fungal spores multiplying and spreading. Pruning infected leaves and treating the plant with fungicides such as copper-based sprays can also help to eliminate the diseases.
Pest Management
Eryngium campestre is also relatively resistant to pests, but certain insects may cause severe damage if left uncontrolled. Some of the most common pests that may affect the plant include spider mites, leaf miners, and aphids.
Spider mites usually cause discoloration and wilting of the leaves. To control them, regular inspection of the plants and spraying with insecticidal soaps can be effective. Leaf miners cause tunneling on the leaves, which may lead to distortion and stunted growth. Handpicking the affected leaves and deploying natural predators such as parasitic wasps can help to control their population. Aphids suck sap from the leaves, causing curling, yellowing, and stunted growth. Insecticidal soaps and other organic insecticides can effectively control them.
In conclusion, maintaining good plant hygiene and promptly identifying and treating any diseases and pests that may affect the Eryngium campestre is essential in keeping the plant healthy.
