Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium

Beargrass, or rattlesnake master, is an herbaceous perennial in the Apiaceae (carrot) family. It is native to open woodlands and tall grass prairies of the central United States and is also distributed across many eastern states. The genus name Eryngium comes from the Greek for a thorny or prickly plant, and yuccifolium refers to the leaves, which resemble yucca leaves. The common name may refer to previous medicinal use by Native Americans, although not necessarily for rattlesnake bites. It may grow 4 to 5 feet tall and spread 2 to 3 feet wide.

This plant does best when planted in full sun and in moist, well-drained soil. Although it adapts well to many soil types, including shallow rocky soils, it prefers dry, loamy sand with little organic matter. Propagate this plant through seed or divide plants in late spring or early fall. It will self seed in optimal conditions.

The stiff upright stems of this plant hold striking flower heads, and the unusual clumping foliage adds interest, providing coarse texture in the landscape. In addition to the flowers attracting many beneficial insects to the garden, the plant serves as a host to the larvae of the Rattlesnake-master borer snake (Papaipema eryngii) moth.

This plant works well in the middle of perennial borders or planted in small groups in open woodlands, naturalized areas, and pollinator gardens. Because the plant is tolerant of wet soils, it may be ideal for a water garden or pond planting. The flowers are attractive fresh or dried and make an interesting addition to a cutting garden. Leaving the plants uncut through the winter will add interest to any landscape. Choose a location carefully since the leaves end in stiff spines that could be unpleasant if planted near a walkway.

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.