Eryngium articulatum

• Found in areas with lots of water in spring (marches and riverbanks)
• The mostly naked stems emerge from a basal rosette and grow to 2-3 feet before flowering
• Peak bloom time in June-August.
• Rounded to egg-shaped flower head looks like a thistle due to its spikiness and lavender color
• This member of the carrot family supports caterpillars and butterflies.
• Cut back to ground in late fall.
• Flower heads are full of small lavender flowers

Photo (c) Ken-ichi Ueda – some rights reserved (CC BY)