How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Rattlesnake Master

Eryngium yuccifolium, or rattlesnake master, is a unique and excellent ground cover or a xeriscaping option. It's an evergreen perennial that is native to parts of the USA. Learn to care for it with Kevin Espiritu in this comprehensive guide.

Contents

Eryngium yuccifolium is a distinctive species commonly known as button snake-root or rattlesnake master. It’s an evergreen perennial forb native to the southeastern United States. Part of the tallgrass prairies, it occur in rocky woods, glades, and prairie meadows. They mostly grow as natives in certain regions of North America, Texas, Florida, Minnesota, and Ohio.

The rattlesnake master is a hermaphrodite and produces greenish-white flowers from July to September. However, when not flowering, it forms a rosette of sword-shaped, fibrous leaves that resemble those of yucca, hence its botanical name.

Eryngium yuccifolium can’t grow in anything less than full sun and extremely fertile soil. Here are some quick facts about the rattlesnake master.

Plant Overview

A clump of flower heads, their spiky green spheres clustered tightly. Long, slender stems rise from unseen earth, their details fading into a blurry background.
Plant Perennial
Family Apiaceae
Genus Eryngium
Species Eryngium yuccifolium
Native Eastern USA
Exposure Full sun
Height 2-6′
Watering Requirements Moderate
Pests & Diseases None
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Well-draining
Hardiness Zone 3-8

What is a Rattlesnake Master?

This perennial has the common name rattlesnake master because of the specific epithet that some Native Americans used to believe the root was a medicine to treat rattlesnake bites. The root system contains a central taproot that is surrounded by fleshy, fibrous roots.

Native Area

A shot of flower buds and tall green stems of a perennial plant near a pond in a well lit grassy area outdoors
The plant is native to the central and southeastern United States

Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) is native to the central and southeastern United States, particularly thriving in tallgrass prairies, open woodlands, and savannas. It is most commonly found in states like Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and parts of the Midwest extending into the Southeast.

This hardy perennial prefers well-drained soils and full sun, adapting well to dry, rocky, or sandy conditions. Historically, it was a prominent component of native prairie ecosystems, valued not only for its unique spiky flowers and yucca-like foliage but also for its role in supporting pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects.

Characteristics

A close-up shot of several globular flower heads atop thin slender stems in  well lit area outdoors
The perennial boasts greenish white, globular flower heads that resemble thistles.

The parallel-veined leaves of Eryngium yuccifolium are narrow, long, and stiff with sharp tips, 5 to 6 inches long, and resemble those of a yucca from the lily family. The greenish-white flowers are stemless, dainty, and tightly packed into globular-shaped flower heads that resemble thistles. The flower heads have white stamens and further extend into white, pointed bracts. They bloom in small groups of tiny flowers with five white petals from early to late summer.

Beneath each white flower of rattlesnake master is a green, spiny bract, and underneath the flower clusters are tiny rosettes of a few smaller leaves in the form of spiky bracts, like a yucca. Within each of the smaller parts of the golf ball-like flower are light brown anthers which protrude out from the flower’s circumference. Rattlesnake master belongs to the family of Apiaceae, or the carrot family, which is known for its finely cut foliage that’s ideal for prairie restorations, gardens, and landscapes.

With thick rosettes in branched clusters, dense, spiny flowers, and parallel veins, this evergreen perennial prefers dry, sandy soils, clay soil, and well-drained soils. These are relatively large perennials that can grow up to two to five feet tall self-seed. It doesn’t tolerate disturbances well, but is a staple of prairie restorations due to how quickly it establishes itself.

Rattlesnake master is one of the most popular varieties of the Apiaceae family. The second most common variety is called Eryngium synchaetum. However, the latter has much narrower leaves and is native to the moist pine savannas of the coastal regions of North Carolina all the way to Florida. It also produces thick clusters of bristles down the leaf margins. Unlike rattlesnake master, this variety grows well in extremely moist conditions.

Planting

An overhead shot of flower heads of a perennial plant growing in a well lit area outdoors
Plant the perennials in holes about 10 to 12 inches deep and wide and spaced 18 to 24 inches apart.

Space rattlesnake masters about 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for their mature size and to promote good air circulation. Dig a hole about 10 to 12 inches deep and wide enough to comfortably fit the root ball.

Place the crown so it is level with the soil surface, then backfill the hole and press the soil firmly around the base. Water thoroughly after planting, and continue to water occasionally during the first growing season until the plant is established.

How to Grow

All in all, rattlesnake master native species are low-maintenance and problem-free. Here’s everything you need to know about their care and maintenance.

Light

A close-up shot of several flower heads of a perennial basking in bright sunlight outdoors
The plants develop best in full sun conditions.

Eryngium yuccifolium can’t survive in anything less than full sun. Grow it in a full sun area, and avoid planting in shade, as this will stunt its growth. It can survive in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9. Make sure to keep them in a well-lit spot in your garden.

Water

A shot of a blue colored watering can pouring water
Water the plants twice a month when they are young and reduce watering once they are mature.

Eryngium yuccifolium contains a large, deep taproot that helps the plant survive during dry, hot months. Their watering needs are dry to medium, as they can’t tolerate soils with standing water. Watering is necessary once a week when they are young and once or twice a month once they are established. If you water too often, the roots could rot. Most of the time, they don’t need additional water in their native range.

Soil

Brown sandy loam soil with a mixture of fine and coarse particles, providing a nutrient-rich foundation for plant growth.
The plants thrive in dry to medium, well-drained soils, preferring more dryish, sandy soils.

Rattlesnake master thrives well in dry to medium, well-drained soils. However, it prefers dryish, sandy soil and tends to sprawl when grown in overly fertile soil. It’s tolerant of clay soil, shallow rocky soil, loamy soil, and dry soil. The ideal pH is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Most garden soils and compost-heavy soil types are too nutrient-rich.

Temperature

A shot of a small composition of greenish flower heads of a perennial in a well lit area outdoors
These perennials can handle high temperatures easily and are drought-tolerant.

Rattlesnake master handles very high temperatures easily as it is drought-tolerant. When it comes to winter temperatures, fear not! Especially in its wide native range, it dies back in winter to return again in spring.

Fertilizer

Close-up of a gardener's hand filled with blue granular fertilizer falling onto the soil in the garden.
Only fertilize the plant if the soil indicates a severe deficiency.

Rattlesnake master doesn’t require heavy fertilizers, as the presence of nitrogen can encourage weed competition. Therefore, only fertilize this native if the soil indicates a severe deficiency. In most cases, fertilizer will cause issues.

Maintenance

A woman in a red sweater disinfects garden pruners with a cotton pad soaked in solution near dormant rose bushes.
Pruning is a common maintenance task and is done to maintain its shape and size.

Since they have deep tap roots, they transplant poorly. Once established, it’s best to leave it undisturbed in prairies. Direct sow them to avoid the need to transplant at all. You can also allow the flower spikes with their tiny flowers with five white petals to release seeds for self-sowing – a natural part of the rattlesnake master life cycle.

The perennial can sprawl quickly in rich, fertile soil, which provides an interesting landscape for winters. Prune them once the flowering season is over. Simply cut back the stems of the white flowers or leave them as seed heads that look extremely attractive during the colder months. The entire plant is a habitat for overwintering insects. Therefore, there really isn’t a need to prune.

Propagation

A shot of several perennial seed heads in a well lit area
Propagate the plants by seed and directly sow them.

Direct sow seeds in spring to avoid the need to transplant at all. Prior to sowing, provide the rattlesnake master seeds with simulated cold stratification. Keep the seeds in a plastic bag with some sand in the refrigerator for two months before planting. If you’re sowing in fall, broadcast them in your desired area and wait for them to germinate in spring.

Common Problems

Button snake-root is generally problem-free and is ideal for prairie restorations, ground cover gardens, beds, and borders. Let’s have a quick look at some growing problems.

Growing Problems

A shot of several flower heads of a perennial growing alongside other foliage outdoors
Most growing issues stem from overly wet soils and lodging caused by high winds.

Rattlesnake master plant can’t tolerate overly moist soil. It quickly develops root rot. For this reason, keep the hydration minimal. Make sure watering only takes place in the morning so the soil can dry completely during the day.

Although it can tolerate high winds, it is vulnerable to lodging, where stems bend over and mat on the ground. If you’re planting it in coastal regions with harsh conditions, keep it in a well-protected spot.

Pests

A medium-sized deer with a brown coat and lighter underside chews on leaves.
Deer and rabbits are common pests of the perennial.

The rosette of blue-green leaves and flowers is resistant to pests and unpalatable to deer and rabbits. They are, however, sometimes consumed by voles. Unfortunately, there’s not a viable vole treatment out there, so monitor it if you know voles live in your yard.

While some sources may indicate the rattlesnake master borer moth (Papaipema eryngii) is a problem, these claims are likely overblown. The Papaipema eryngii moth is a specialist consumer whose only food source is rattlesnake master. Do not try to keep them from nesting in your plant. Both the plant and the moth are experiencing decline, and hosting them in your garden will help them immensely.

Diseases

A close-up of a plant's roots affected by a fungus, showing discolored, decaying roots and dark soil.
The plant is vulnerable to root rot and powdery mildew.

Eryngium yuccifolium isn’t prone to disease problems but is sometimes susceptible to root rot and powdery mildew. As mentioned previously, limit watering if the blue-green leaves start to brown. If left untreated, root rot can kill the entire species. Inspect carefully and cut the damaged area to save the healthy roots and stems.

For powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering as it contributes to humidity. Prune them as soon as you spot overcrowding to encourage air circulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rattlesnake master traditionally used for?

The shoots and roots can be cooked and eaten. They’re also used to protect against rattlesnake venom and illnesses like vomiting, fever, and cough. Native Americans have a long history of cultivating and caring these perennials for medicinal reasons. Consult an expert if you’d like to use it for medicine.

Where should I keep rattlesnake master in my garden?

Grow this striking perennial in full sunlight, preferably south-facing or east-facing. Use this as the basis of your chosen location, and then include the tenet of adding architectural interest to your garden.

Does the rattlesnake master self-pollinate?

Yes, a single one contains both the female and male organs and self-pollinates.

What is rattlesnake master good for?

Today, it’s an excellent host for beneficial insects, including numerous pollinators, and it’s more important than most members of the prairie forb categories.

Is rattlesnake master invasive?

It is not invasive. In fact, it’s threatened.

Why is it called rattlesnake master?

Native Americans believed the root could be made into a treatment for rattlesnake venom.

Does rattlesnake master spread?

Part of the reason its threatened is that it doesn’t readily seed as well as competing species. So, while it will spread over the course of a few years, it isn’t aggressive.

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