Rattlesnake Master

Description

Eryngium yuccifolium, commonly called rattlesnake-master or button snake-root, is a Missouri native forb (wildflower) which occurs in rocky woods, prairies and glades throughout the State and was a common plant of the tallgrass prairie.

The flowering heads attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, beetles, and plant bugs. These insects usually seek nectar, although some of the bees may collect pollen for their brood nests. The caterpillars of the rare Papaipema eryngii (Rattlesnake Master Borer Moth) bore into the stems and feed on the pith. The coarse foliage and prickly balls of flowers are not popular as a source of food with mammalian herbivores, although they may nibble off the ends of the leaves.

This plant is occasionally eaten by livestock, but not very well.

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers dryish, sandy soils. Self-seeds in optimum growing conditions. Plants tend to open up and sprawl if grown in overly fertile soils or in anything less than full sun. This plant transplants poorly and is best left undisturbed once established. Native plant gardens, rock gardens, naturalized areas or prairies. Also can be effective in borders.

Occurs in upland prairies, glades, savannas, and rocky openings of moist to dry upland forests. Rattlesnake master is one of the signature plants of the tallgrass prairie.

This species is commonly used in the following mixes: Wildlife Chuckwagon Mix, Shadows & Sunbeams Mix, Prairie Patchwork Mix, Dry’n Rocky Mix, and Butterfly & Hummingbird Mix.