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 foliage similar to that of the Yucca plant, hence the species name of yuccifolium. The common name of rattlesnake master may originate from historic medicinal use of the plant's tissues.

Easily grown and quite adaptable, Eryngium yuccifolium grows to 4-6' tall and a single plant can spread and self-seed to over 6 feet wide. Rattlesnake master prefers full sun, but is not picky about moisture level, thriving in both damp and dry soils, as long as they are typically well-draining. Eryngium yuccifolium's showy white flowers are attractive to a huge number of pollinators, including wasps, flies, bees, and beetles, and one species of moth has such a close relationship with the plant that it was named for it: the rattlesnake master stem borer, Papaipema eryngii. Showy, persistent seed heads will remain on the plant well into the autumn, adding multi-season interest, but these seed heads may present a problem if left to self-seed unchecked.