Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master) Unity Grown

Eryngium yuccifolium, also known as rattlesnake master or button snakeroot, is a unique native perennial known for its creamy white thistle-like flowers in mid summer and its spiny, yucca-like foliage, hence the species name of yuccifolium. The common name of rattlesnake master may originate from historic medicinal use of the plant's tissues, but in today's age, Eryngium yuccifolium is grown for ornamental and ecological purposes. Rattlesnake master's showy white flowers are attractive to a huge number of pollinators, especially those active at night, including native bees, beetles, moths, and other beneficial insects. In fact, one species of moth has such a close relationship with the plant that it was named after it, in terms of both common and scientific names: the rattlesnake master stem borer, Papaipema eryngii.

Easily grown and quite adaptable, Eryngium yuccifolium grows to 4-6' tall and a single plant can spread via roots and self-seeding to cover areas over 4' wide; while this growth habit may be too aggressive for smaller gardens, it makes button snakeroot an excellent choice for perennial windbreaks, controlling erosion, and for filling in stubborn areas of a pollinator garden or meadow. Rattlesnake master prefers full sun, but is not picky about moisture level, thriving in both damp and dry soils, as long as they are fairly well-draining. After the plant's bloom window from early summer to early fall, howy, persistent seed heads will remain on the plant well into the late autumn, adding multi-season interest and feeding birds. If left unchecked, these seed heads can contribute to the plant spreading more aggressively, but if you're looking to keep your rattlesnake master contained, active and spent flowers can both be used for gorgeous cut flower arrangements.