Description

Rattlesnake Master matures to a height of 4′ and has showy, white “bristly” flowers that feel sharp when touched.  Flower heads appear in branched clusters at the top of smooth stiff stems typically rising to 3-4′ (less frequently to 5-6′) tall from the centers of the rosettes. It is typically found in medium-wet to medium soils and prefers sites with full sun.  However, this plant will tolerate dry soil, clay soil, drought and erosion. The Latin name, Eryngium yuccifolium, comes from the fact that the leaves look very much like a Yucca plant. Rattleshake Master provides an unusual appearance in the garden.

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 is a taprooted plant which transplants poorly and is best left undisturbed once established.  Other common names include Button Snakeroot, Yucca-leaf Eryngo, Corn Snakeroot, Water-eryngo, Rattlesnake Flag, and Rattlesnake Weed.

Click here for more information from USDA-NRCS.