How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Rattlesnake Master

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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