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Rattlesnake Master

Eryngium yuccifolium is an attractive perennial becoming more popular as a garden ornamental.

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Updated:

September 18, 2025

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Eryngium yuccifolium Credit: Connie Schmotzer

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Description

Rattlesnake master is a perennial forb that grows from a thickened, corm-like crown. When not flowering, the plant forms a rosette of narrow, fibrous leaves, sometimes reaching up to 30 inches in length.

Although the aggregation of many small flowers in dense, hemispherical heads makes RM look like a thistle, instead, it is a member of the carrot family. Break or crush a leaf and the aroma will give it away. The inflorescence is open, usually consisting of three to twenty hemispherical flower heads that may be an inch in diameter. The heads are dense aggregations of tiny white flowers. The flowers are surrounded by bracts and bracelets that are sharp and pointed. These unusual leaves are reminiscent of the Spanish-dagger (Yucca), thus the name 'yuccifolium', which means "yucca-like leaves."

Growing Conditions

Rattlesnake master flowers during the summer, late May to early July. It thrives in full sun and has a wide range in most of the eastern United States. It can grow in a wide range of soils, but usually on calcareous (limestone), moist soils. The plants have a large rootstock. This allows for water storage during summer droughts.

Ecological Value: Wildlife, Insects, Etc.

Fertilization is achieved by several pollinators, particularly wasps, bees, and flies that visit the flowers. Caterpillars of the black swallowtail butterfly occasionally feed on the leaves, but prefer other members of the carrot family. In the prairie or garden, rattlesnake master is a favorite of native insects. Monarch butterflies, skippers, and other butterflies visit the flower heads for nectar. Soldier beetles visit the flowers to eat pollen.

Landscaping

As an attractive specimen in a home garden. Also, in meadows and prairies.

Ethnobotany

The sap and roots were used to treat a wide variety of maladies, such as snake bites, and are also used as a diuretic. The Mesquaki used it in their ceremonial rattlesnake dance, using the roots to treat rattlesnake bites. Native Americans would also use the fibrous leaves for weaving purposes, making sandals and baskets.

Pests and Diseases

The rattlesnake master stem-borer (Papaipema eryglii) is dependent on it to complete its life cycle. This moth is limited to the central United States. A long-lived perennial, voles and other rodents often feed on the crowns during the winter.

Varieties

A relative, Eryngium aquaticum, grows along the Gulf and lower Atlantic Coast.

Companion Plants and Suggestions for Pairings

The rattlesnake master plant is growing in popularity as an ornamental. It grows and flowers in most garden soils if it receives some sun during the middle of the day. In the garden, this wildflower benefits from some competition, especially from native grasses. This may help support the stems that may grow tall from falling over.