Sword-shaped, medium green leaves are topped by clusters of round heads of greenish white, cone-shaped flowers. This very distinctive plant is an interesting cut flower and, according to Steyermark: “An infusion of the leaves and root of the plant was at one time believed to be an effective remedy in treating bites of rattlesnakes.”
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Rattlesnake Master
Eryngium yuccifolium
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Forest, Glade, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Photo: Mervin Wallace

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Soil
Moisture
Dry

Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects

Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Butterfly / Moth Nectar

Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant
Size
Height:
36 to
48
inches
Spread:
24 to
inches
Size
Height: 36 to
48
inches
Spread: 24 to
inches
Size
Height: 36 to
48
inches
Spread: 24 to
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Mass in perennial borders, cut flower gardens, native plantings, prairies or meadows.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in full sun to medium sun in dry soil. Seldom reach over 5 ft except in landscape gardens!
Special Features
Special Usage
Dried Flower, Fresh Cut Flower, Salt Tolerant
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.
What’s the Next Step?
Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!
Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.