812-217-7207
reseednursery@gmail.comPerennial • $6, 4-inch pot
| Height | 3 to 5 ft |
| Spacing | 1 to 2 ft |
| Sun Exposure | Full to Part Sun |
| Soil Moisture | Medium to Dry |
| Bloom Color | White |
| Bloom Time | July, Aug, Sept |
| Companion Plantings | Sweet Black Eyed Susan, Button Blazing Star, Anise Hyssop, Purple Coneflower |
| Special Attributes |   |
Eryngium yuccifolium
This exotic looking native plant is actually a member of the Carrot family (Apiaceae), and like many other species in this group, is a host plant to the Black Swallowtail butterfly (mature and larval stages pictured). While not otherwise a significant host plant, it is the sole host plant to the endangered Rattlesnake Master Borer Moth (Papaipema eryngii). In terms of pollinators, this is an important plant for smaller insects, such as short-tongued bees, flies, and moths, but will attract some larger pollinators as well.
This prairie plant is not uncommon in the wild, but prefers higher-quality, mostly undisturbed habitats. It reportedly does well in prairie restoration projects. Growing from a central tap root, Rattlesnake Master is drought tolerant and can handle a wide range of soil moisture and texture conditions, and grows just fine in clay. It does not tolerate standing water. Deer and rabbits find the foliage unpalatable.
Two-foot long and 2-inch thick, alternatively arranged leaves are mostly basal and have widely spaced, small teeth, artificially resembling Yucca leaves, hence the species epithet. The small, spherical green-white flower umbels add to its exotic appearance, and would make for an excellent garden focal point or accent. There are truly no other natives quite like this plant. Early pioneers and potentially some Native Americans brewed a tea from the roots as an antidote to snake venom (it likely wasn’t very effective), and the common name is in reference to this use.
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