top of page

Rattlesnake Master

Eryngium yuccifolium

Rattlesnake Master

General Information

Rattlesnake Master is an easy-to-grow, upright, clumping herbaceous perennial.

Rattlesnake Master is typically found in open woodlands and tall grass prairies. Rattlesnake Master is adapted to many soil types including shallow rocky soils. It prefers dry loamy sand with little organic matter

Rattlesnake Master flowers resemble green and white thistle heads and can be used as a cut flower. It blooms between June and August.

Rattlesnake Master sap and roots were used medicinally by Native Americans; however, it was not used to treat rattlesnake bites. The leaves were used to weave baskets and sandals.

Plant Information

Plant Type:

Herbaceous perennial

Sun Preference:

Full Sun

Soil Moisture Preference:

Medium-Wet * Medium * Medium-Dry

Plant Height:

2 to 3 feet

Plant Width:

1 to 2 feet

Plant Spacing:

1.5 to 2 feet

Flower Color:

Green/White

Flower timing:

July to September

Culture Information:

Rattlesnake Master makes an excellent plant for perennial borders, in open woodlands, in naturalized areas, pollinator gardens, butterfly gardens, drought tolerant gardens, native gardens, nighttime gardens, rock gardens or prairies.

When first planted, Rattlesnake Master should be watered weekly for first few months, unless at least an inch of rain has been received in the last week to help it get established. After it becomes established, Rattlesnake Master does not typically need watering due to its drought tolerance.

If desired, Rattlesnake Master can be cut back to the ground in late fall or over winter. It may need staking in shade or in rich, moist soils. Rattlesnake Master does not transplant well do to it’s large, deep tap root.

Tolerates:

Deer
Drought
Rabbits
Wet Soil
Erosion
Clay Soil
Dry Soil
Shallow-Rocky Soil

Pests & Disease:

Rattlesnake Master has no serious insect problems.

Rattlesnake Master has no serious disease problems.

Wildlife Use:

Pollinators: Rattlesnake Master attracts many pollinators and beneficial insects including wasps, flies, bees, and butterflies like monarchs and skippers. Soldier beetles eat the pollen. Rattlesnake Master is a larval host for rattlesnake master stem-borer moth (Papaipema eryngii).

Birds: N/A.

Mammals: Moles and voles feed on the crowns of Rattlesnake Master, especially in winter. Rattlesnake Master is resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits.

Other: N/A.

Native to:

​

ERYU
bottom of page