Eryngium yuccifolium - Rattlesnake Master

Morphology/Growth Habits: Rattlesnake Master has a beautiful blue-green tint to its stems and foliage. Long, narrow leaves with small spines on the edges, resembling yucca leaves. On the top of this plant’s long, upright stem stands a spherical umbel of dozens of tiny, white flowers. Flowers have a sweet fragrance that also attracts pollinators. Spreads by seed. Difficult to transplant due to its large taproot.

Height: 4-6 ft

Light: Full Sun

Moisture: Medium

Bloom color: White

Bloom time: May-August

Habitat/Best Environments: This plant originated in tallgrass prairies, which are very rare today. It also grows in rocky woodlands and prairies. Does best in full sun and well-draining, sandier soil. Established large taproot with maturity, making it difficult to transplant and is best left undisturbed. 

Ecological relationships: Attracts butterflies, native bees, wasps, and flies. Larval host for the Rattlesnake-master borer snake moth. *This plant has numerous medicinal uses, including as a remedy for rattlesnake bites, giving it its common name!

*Please soil test and do proper research before growing a plant for human consumption.