Hof der dingen - Zwinneblomme

Zwinneblomme is a plant that’s typical of the Zwin nature reserve, and every summer it transforms the area into a marvelous sea of purple. 

Thanks to the 2019 expansion of the Zwin, this plant has been spreading more and more each year. In fact, the Zwin is the only place in Belgium where it grows so abundantly. 

It’s a clumping perennial found in salt marshes and other maritime habitats, more commonly known as sea lavender. The West Flemish people often lovingly refer to it as lamsoor – which literally translates to lamb’s ear. This is because the leaves, when young, are somewhat similar in shape and texture to a lamb’s ear. 

Zwinneblomme is often mistaken for zulte (or sea aster), which is edible — unlike Zwinneblomme. Sheep, on the other hand, are big fans of sea lavender. That’s why, to protect the annual purple bloom, the Zwin’s caretakers keep the sheep out of the area during spring and summer.

Back in the day, people could pick Zwinneblomme as much as they liked — but that’s been off-limits for a while now, since the plant is protected. 

Thanks to Peter Strubbe for bringing this remarkable plant to our attention!