This species is native to Europe, Asia, and Caucasus (region spanning Europe and Asia between the Black and Caspian Seas). In 1941, it was first introduced from Europe to Salem, Oregon.
Eryngium planum is a herbaceous, clump-forming perennial forb that grows to a height of 2-3 feet with a spread of 1-2 feet. It is known for its' thistle-like blue flowers that are often found in floral bouquets. "Basal leaves (typically elliptic to oblong, cordate-based and deeply-toothed) form a rosette to 6" tall and to 14" wide. Stiff, branched, violet-blue stems (to 32” tall), bearing abundant, egg-shaped, thistle-like, violet-blue flower heads, rise from each basal rosette in summer. Each flower head is a spherical-cylindrical umbel that is packed with tiny, stemless, violet-blue flowers. Each flower head is subtended by a narrow, spiky collar of spiny, blue-green bracts. Summer bloom is often profuse" (Missouri Botanical Gardens).
Widely cultivated for ornamental use in border or rock gardens. Also cultivated for the use in floral bouquets. In 1941, it was first introduced from Europe to Salem, Oregon.