Eryngium Species, Rattlesnake Master, Button Eryngo, Beargrass, Button Snakeroot

The information about its water needs is incorrect. This is a prairie plant and is very drought tolerant. It's needs are dry to moderate.

We have had Rattlesnake master for a good 10 years. I have found here in Iowa it did not like the East side of the house where there was ...Read Morea water spigot. I moved it and have moved the plant a few times with no trouble and just realised it is in the same family as my blue sea holly. So I do like the contrast they add to an area.

Cultural information only.

Found they are found in pastures, woods and thickets throughout most of the eastern US from Min...Read Morenesota,south to Texas, and Connecticut to Florida in the east

Livestock find the leaves distasteful.

Self-seeds if you leave the seed-heads on the plants. Seedlings are easily moved, but don't wait too long. Once they're established, they...Read More resent transplanting. Do not try to move or divide established plants. May need to stake the tall flower stalks. Needs excellent drainage, or it will rot over the winter. A wonderful accent plant and conversation piece.

The flowering
heads attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued
bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterfli...Read Morees,
skippers, moths, beetles, and plant bugs.
Seeking nectar, although some of the bees may collect
pollen for their brood nests. The caterpillars of the rare
Papaipema eryngii (Rattlesnake Master Borer Moth)
The coarse foliage and
prickly balls of flowers are not popular as a source of
food with mammalian herbivores, although they may nibble
the leaves.

This attractive native plant may be grown through zone 10a. It is a wonderful "starter" for a native plant garden because it is easy to grow.

The name "Rattlesnake Master" is due to an old myth that the roots could be used to heal rattlesnake bites. It looks a lot like a yucca ...Read Moreplant. Makes a good accent plant.

This plant stumps many beginning wildflower enthusiasts. A member of the carrot family, it looks similar to a small yucca or agave: broa...Read Mored, linear leaves that taper to a sharp point and grow in dense, stemless rosettes. Unlike true yuccas and agaves, rattlesnake master grows best in moist habitats (although it is also sometimes found in drier areas.) The flower heads are aggregated into white, rounded heads. A very ornamental and popular species of Eryngium.