Rattlesnake Master is a Great Pollinator Plant

Eryngium yuccifolium (rattlesnake master) does not have the usual appearance of plants found in Pennsylvania pollinator gardens. Looking a bit like it belongs in one of the western desert regions, rattlesnake master is naturally found in a prairie setting. Although Pennsylvania was not part of its original range, it is naturally occurring in neighboring states, such as New Jersey, Ohio, and Maryland. In addition, it is native to most of the Southeast and Midwest.

It is easy to see why this plant received the botanical name Eryngium yuccifolium. The Eryngium genus name comes from the Greek and refers to the plant's spiny nature. The yuccifolium species name refers to its yucca-like leaves, which give it its desert plant look. The common name rattlesnake master reflects the plant's relationship to American Indians. Some Indian groups were known to make a brew by boiling the plant's roots as an antidote to rattlesnake venom. Some native peoples would also use the dried flower stalks as ceremonial rattles. Other common names in use are button eryngo, button snakeroot, yucca-leaf eryngo, rattlesnake flag, and rattlesnake weed.

Rattlesnake master is a perennial herb in the carrot, celery, and parsley (Apiaceae) family. The plant is characterized by alternate, long, narrow, blue-green leaves with a sharp tip. Widely scattered stiff spines are along the leaf margins. Leaves measure up to 3 feet. The flower balls are greenish-white with a honey-like fragrance. In the wild, the plants generally do not flower until the third growing season. In cultivation, they more often begin blooming in the second season. Bloom time generally runs between May and August. Growing in a prairie environment in nature, rattlesnake master would be found in combination with other similarly tall plants that provide support. When planting rattlesnake master in a cultivated garden, it is beneficial to recreate this natural setting. It is especially important, too, that the garden be in full sun and the soil should not be overly fertilized. Not enough sun and too fertile soil contribute to aggressive growth not strong enough to support the stalk and leads to possible collapse.

Eryngium yuccifolium is an easy plant to grow. Propagation is most commonly accomplished by seed. Its seed production rating is often as high as 90%.  Saved seed should be cold stratified at 40°F for two months before planting in the spring. Mature plants can be divided and replanted in late spring or fall.

Rattlesnake master is not too fussy about soil. It is tolerant of clay soils, dry soil, even shallow rocky soil. It will grow in moist to dry conditions, but good drainage helps. Its water use is medium, but it can also withstand drought conditions. As stated earlier, full sun and low fertility are musts. Its tough leaves are prepared to fend off most leaf diseases and herbivores avoid them for meals. It is the larval host for the rattlesnake master borer moth (Papaipema eryngii).

Rattlesnake master has been evaluated in the Bees, Bugs and Blooms Trial Garden at Southeast Research and Extension Center in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. During several years of monitoring, it ranked in the top third of plants with the greatest total number of pollinator visits. Insects visit it for both pollen and nectar. It is a very valuable plant for bees (short and long tonged varieties), wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, beetles, and other plant insects. So, if you have not yet begun to grow this plant in your pollinator garden, give it a try!