Additional Information about Eryngium yuccifolium
Although strikingly unusual for a native, Eryngium yuccifolium was once a common species of prairies and other grasslands throughout the Midwestern and southeastern US. Slightly spiny leaves are arranged in a rosette that resembles Yucca with stiff, long, strap-like leaves, a great plant for areas with high herbivory pressure. Flower stems shoot 4’-6’ skyward in summer and are topped with thistle-like bluish silver flowers which gracefully age to a deep brown. Rattlesnake master is an unusual member of the Carrot family and has been used medicinally for generations by Native Americans. This is an excellent architectural addition to an urban stormwater system or meadow and has multiple seasons of interest.
Rattlesnake master is endemic to the eastern blackland prairies and open woodlands of the eastern United States. To see Eryngium yuccifolium stand its tallest, avoid overly rich soils and shaded conditions. A unique and eye-catching plant for tough sites, it prefers medium moisture levels to some dryness and can tolerate clay, sand, or limestone based soils.
In our trial gardens Eryngium yuccifolium has been a beautiful, structural species, adaptable to a variety of well-drained soil types. This plant will self-seed readily - if this is undesirable, simply cut back stalks after blooming. Rattlesnake master is a host plant for Swallowtail butterfly larvae and a nectar source for a variety of bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, beetles and plant bugs. It is covered with pollinators throughout its long bloom season.
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