Eryngium yuccifolium
Eryngium yuccifolium, also known as rattlesnake master or button snake root, is a clever combination of the appearance of yucca and sea holly—at least in the eyes of this gardener….
Eryngium yuccifolium, also known as rattlesnake master or button snake root, is a clever combination of the appearance of yucca and sea holly—at least in the eyes of this gardener. A member of carrot/parsley family (Apiaceae), this native plant thrives in sandy soil in full sun. Clay soil and rocky, almost soilless land (some call it thin soil) are also not an issue for rattlesnake master.
Botanical name: Eryngium yuccifolium
Common name: rattlesnake master
Height: 4–5 feet
Width: 2–3 feet
Blooms: green-white
Bloom time: June–September
Sun requirements: Full sun
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–8
Pick your spot with care. This plant prefers full sun and drier, sandy soils. If it does not get enough sun, it will sprawl. Ditto if the soil is too rich/fertile. If conditions are perfect, it will self-seed. A deep taproot, which allows it to withstand less-than-ideal conditions, makes it a poor candidate for transplanting from one garden spot to another.
