Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master) Seed Packet
Rattlesnake master Description:
Eryngium yuccifolium, also known as rattlesnake master or button snakeroot, is a unique and striking wildflower native to the central and eastern regions of North America. It is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands.
Eryngium yuccifolium grows 2-5 feet tall and has a distinctive appearance. It has spiky leaves that are yucca-like, long and narrow with sharp tips, and grow in a basal rosette. The stem of the plant is thick and stiff, and topped with a globe-shaped flowerhead that is usually pale green or white in color. The flowerhead is surrounded by a spiky collar of bracts, giving it a striking and dramatic appearance. The plant blooms from mid-summer to early fall, and the flowers are attractive to many species of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and moths.
Eryngium yuccifolium has a long history of traditional medicinal use by Native American tribes. It was used to treat snake bites, hence the common name "rattlesnake master," as well as other ailments such as fever, headaches, and stomachaches. The plant was also used by pioneers to make a tea that was believed to alleviate a variety of symptoms.
Today, Eryngium yuccifolium is a popular ornamental plant in gardens, and its unique appearance and adaptability make it a favorite of landscapers and garden designers. It is also an important plant for conservation, as it provides valuable habitat for wildlife and is an important component of prairie and meadow ecosystems.
Native Range:
Rattlesnake master grows in mostly the central and Southeastern United States.
Standard Plant Information:
Plant Height: 2' - 5'
Bloom Time: July - August
Preferred Habitat: Does well in full sun and moist to dry sandy or loamy soils. Often found in prairies and open woodland.
Stratification: C60