The fascinating Sea Holly

After finding this fascinating plant in the landscape of a local custom construction company, I ordered some for myself---to arrive this spring! (I must admit they are quite ugly when they finish blooming!)
  Sea Holly:  
Eryngium maritimum is a perennial wildflower found along European seacoasts, and although its natural habitat is widespread, it is an endangered species. The flowers of E. maritimum are hermaphrodite, so the plant is self-fertile. It is also pollinated by bees, flies, beetles.  (The bee in this photo is having a feast!)


I'm linking up to Macro Flowers Saturday with this photo from my flower archives.