Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium)

Rattlesnake Master (Eryngium yuccifolium)

Rattlesnake Master is one of the most distinctive and sculptural plants in the prairie, known for its spiky, spherical flower heads and long, sword-like blue-green leaves. Despite the exotic appearance, it’s native to Wisconsin and blends effortlessly into both wild and stylized plantings. The flowers appear in midsummer, a soft white with a slight silver cast, and bloom on tall branching stems that add architectural height without bulk. The foliage gives this plant an unusual texture that contrasts beautifully with softer prairie grasses and blooms.

In southeastern Wisconsin, Rattlesnake Master thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, including clay, gravel, and sand. It’s deep-rooted, drought-tolerant, long-lived, and surprisingly adaptable—equally at home in prairie restorations, meadow-style borders, and modern naturalistic gardens. Its bloom timing is perfectly synced with the height of summer pollinator activity.

Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Soil: Medium to dry soils; handles clay, sand, or gravel
Height: 3–5 feet
Spread: 1.5–2.5 feet
Zones: 3–8
Bloom time: July through August

Wildlife Value
An exceptional plant for pollinators, particularly beetles, native bees, beneficial wasps, and butterflies. The flower heads provide dozens of small florets packed with nectar and pollen. Its stems and foliage also serve as habitat and cover for insects and small wildlife. Drought-resilient and ecologically valuable in lean or degraded soils.

Blooms Alongside:
Leadplant (Amorpha canescens), White Prairie Clover (Dalea candida), Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya), Yellow Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)