Rattlesnake Master

Rattlesnake Master
Eryngium yuccifolium

A bold and architectural native perennial with striking spherical white flower heads and stiff, yucca-like leaves. Blooming from mid to late summer, the unique globe-shaped flowers are packed with tiny blooms that attract a wide range of pollinators. Its spiky form and silvery-green foliage make it a standout feature in prairie plantings and naturalized landscapes.

Rattlesnake Master thrives in open prairies and dry meadows, where its deep taproot allows it to withstand drought and tough soil conditions. Despite its rugged appearance, it supports an incredible diversity of beneficial insects.

Growing Conditions

• Height: 3–5 ft
• Spread: Clumping
• Light: Full sun
• Soil: Dry to medium, well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, rocky, and clay soils
• Hardiness: Zone 3–8
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Highly drought tolerant once established
• Deer resistant

Ideal for prairie restorations, dry meadows, pollinator gardens, and naturalized landscapes where strong structure and unique form are desired.

Ecological Value

• Attracts a wide diversity of pollinators including bees, wasps, beetles, and butterflies
• Supports beneficial predatory insects
• Deep roots improve soil structure and drought resilience
• Adds strong architectural interest to prairie ecosystems

Larval Host Plant For

• Eryngium Stem Borer Moth (Papaipema eryngii)
• Other native moth species associated with prairie plants

Companion Species

• Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii)
• Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
• Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea)
• Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• Stiff Goldenrod (Solidago rigida)
• Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta)
• Yellow Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

3.5 inch Pots