Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium)

Rattlesnake master

Features and Characteristics

Eryngium yuccifolium, commonly called rattlesnake-master or button snake-root, is a Missouri native plant which occurs in rocky woods, prairies and glades throughout the State and was a common plant of the tallgrass prairie. Most members of the parsley/carrot family (Apiaceae) have finely cut foliage and flowers in domed umbels. Not so with rattlesnake-master which features basal rosettes of parallel-veined, bristly-edged, sword-shaped, medium green leaves (to 3′ long) resembling those of yucca (lily family) and tiny, stemless, greenish-white flowers tightly packed into globular, 1″ diameter heads resembling thistles (composite family). Flower heads appear in branched clusters at the top of smooth stiff stems typically rising to 3-4′ (less frequently to 5-6′) tall from the centers of the rosettes. Flower heads are subtended by whitish, pointed bracts. The blooms are attractive to butterflies and other insect pollinators.

Genus name comes from an ancient Greek name used by Theophrastus for a plant which grew in Greece (probably Eryngium campestre) or is a Greek reference to the prickly or spiny nature of plants in this genus.

Specific epithet is in reference to leaves that look like Yucca.

Common name is in reference to a former use of this plant as a treatment for rattlesnake bite.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers dryish, sandy soils. Self-seeds in optimum growing conditions. Plants tend to open up and sprawl if grown in overly fertile soils or in anything less than full sun. This is a taprooted plant which transplants poorly and is best left undisturbed once established.

Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) Requirements

Hardiness zone	3 - 8
Sun light	Full sun
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Taller plants may need support, however staking of these substantial plants in a cosmetically acceptable manner can be difficult. Massing plants in naturalized areas where they can provide some support to each other may be the best solution for this problem.

Uses

Native plant gardens, rock gardens, naturalized areas or prairies. Also can be effective in borders.

Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) Details

Common name	Rattlesnake master
Botanical name	Eryngium yuccifolium
Plant type	Herbaceous perennial
Family	Apiaceae
Hardiness zone	3 - 8
Water	Dry to medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	Greenish-white
Flowering period	June - September
Height	4 - 5 ft.
Width	2 - 3 ft.