Rattlesnake Master

Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master) is a clump-forming, erect-growing perennial that grows to 4.7 ft. Rattlesnake Master is a deep-rooted species that blooms in summer/fall with spherical white flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, including flies, bees, and butterflies. When ripe, Eryngium yuccifolium seedheads have a bristly appearance created by its sharply pointed bracts. Rattlesnake Master naturally occurs from Minnesota to Texas to Florida to Virginia and Ohio, Eryngium yuccifolium is found in full to partial shade and mesic to wet soils of meadows, barrens, and moist woods. Rattlesnake Master is drought resistant and, to date, we have not observed evidence of deer browsing. We use Eryngium yuccifolium in upland meadow mixes for full sun sites at up to 0.4 lb per acre, or 4% of a 10 PLS lb per acre mix. Eryngium yuccifolium is a member of the carrot (Apiaceae) family. The species name yuccifolium refers to the yucca-like appearance of the leaves.