Rattlesnake Master
Eryngium yuccifolium
Courtesy of Sally and Andy Wasowski, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Summary
If you’re attracted to the unusual, rattlesnake master is a native plant that fills the bill! It features striking, globular flower clusters and strappy, spiny leaves reminiscent of a yucca plant. As a member of the carrot family, rattlesnake master develops a very deep taproot, making it a difficult species to transplant, but grows readily from seed. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil, but tolerates a variety of conditions. Be sure to site it away from paths or walkways, to avoid unwanted contact with its spiky foliage.
More Details
FAMILY
Apiaceae (Carrot)
BLOOM TIME
July - September
FLOWER
White - Light Pink
MATURE SIZE
3-6 feet
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Sun
SOIL CONDITIONS
Average
NATIVE STATUS
Native to Southeast and Midwest US
Ecosystem Connections
With its long-lasting, shallow flowers and abundant nectar, rattlesnake master attracts a multitude of pollinators including wasps, flies, bees, and butterflies like monarchs and skippers. Soldier beetles eat the pollen. The rattlesnake master stem-borer moth (Papaipema eryngii) uses the plant as a larval host.