Eryngium yuccifolium

Rattlesnake master is an herbaceous perennial in the Apiaceae (carrot) family native to open woodlands and tall grass prairies of the central US and distributed across many eastern US states.  The common name rattlesnake plant is a misnomer as it was not used to treat rattle snake bites thought it was used medicinally by Native Americans.  The specific epithet yuccifolium refers to the blue-green leaves with long parallel veins that resemble yucca leaves.

Its stiff upright stems hold striking flowers and the unusual clumping foliage add interest and provide coarse texture in the landscape.    The flowers attract many pollinators and beneficial insects to the garden and resemble green and white thistle heads.  The plant reaches a mature height and width of 3 to 6 feet.

Plan in the full sun in moist well drained soil in zones 3 to 8.  It is well adapted to many soil types including shallow rocky soils but prefers dry loamy sand with little organic matter. 

Choose a location wisely because a deep taproot makes transplanting challenging and while the leaves add architectural interest and accent in a landscape they end in stiff spines that can be unpleasant planted near a walkway.  It tolerates drought and is resistant to browsing by deer or rabbits.   Propagate this plant through seed or divide plants in the late spring or early fall, though the tap root may make this challenging.  It will self-seed easily in the landscape.  

Great for use in the middle of perennial borders or planted in small groups in open woodlands, naturalized areas, and pollinator gardens.  Rattlesnake plant is tolerant of wet soils making it ideal for a water garden, or pond planting.  The flowers are attractive fresh or dried and make an interesting addition to a cutting garden and leaving the plants uncut through the winter will add interest to any landscape. 

This plant was selected as the 2016 NC Wildflower of the Year, a program managed by the North Carolina Botanical Garden with some financial support from the Garden Club of North Carolina.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Moles and voles feed on the crowns, especially in winter. The stems may fall over and need to be staked if the plant is grown in rich soil or in too much shade.