Eryngium yuccifolium aka Rattlesnake Master

Taxonomy

Eryngium yuccifolium, commonly known as rattlesnake master, button eryngo, or button snake-root, is an evergreen perennial forb native to the tallgrass prairies of central and eastern North America. It can be found in rocky woods, glades, and prairies in certain regions of North America, including Texas, Florida, Minnesota, Ohio, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware. This herbaceous perennial was chosen as the 2016 NC Wildflower of the Year by the North Carolina Botanical Garden and is great for use in perennial borders, open woodland, naturalized areas, and pollinator gardens. The plant produces greenish-white flowers from July to September and, when not flowering, forms a rosette of sword-shaped, fibrous leaves that resemble those of yucca, hence the name.

Common names

Rattlesnake Master, Button Eryngo, Button Snakeroot

How to care for Rattlesnake Master

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Rattlesnake Master due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Rattlesnake Master should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Rattlesnake Master loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Rattlesnake Master thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Button Snakeroot.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Growth-pattern

Rattlesnake Master grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Rattlesnake Master’s native range is Eastern N. America - Connecticut to Florida, west to Texas and Minnesota.


More info:
Wikipedia