Eryngium yuccifolium, commonly called rattlesnake-master or button
snake-root, is a native plant which occurs in rocky woods, prairies and glades and
was a common plant of the tallgrass prairie. Most members of the parsley/carrot
family (Apiaceae) have finely cut foliage and flowers in domed umbels. Not so
with rattlesnake-master which features basal rosettes of parallel-veined,
bristly-edged, sword-shaped, medium green leaves (to 3′ long) resembling those
of yucca (lily family) and tiny, stemless, greenish-white flowers tightly
packed into globular, 1″ diameter heads resembling thistles (composite
family). Flower heads appear in branched clusters at the top of smooth stiff
stems typically rising to 3-4′ (less frequently to 5-6′) tall from the centers
of the rosettes. Flower heads are subtended by whitish, pointed bracts. Also
can be effective in borders. Easily grown in average, dry to medium,
well-drained soils in full sun. Prefers dryish, sandy soils. Rattlesnake Master
plants add a unique display to flower beds with its unusual compact flower
clusters and flower seed heads, and it can be a wonderful focal point. Eryngium
Rattlesnake Master can be used for roadside plantings, prairie restoration,
prairie landscaping, wildlife cover, and also in wildflower gardens.
Growing Instructions
The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in
the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to
simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year.
1. Place the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a
refrigerator for 3-4 weeks.
2. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Fill a pot with a mixture
of half potting soil and half sand or vermiculite. Water the mixture so that it
is moist but not wet.
3. Sow the seeds on the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
4. Water the container and leave it to drain.
5. Put the pot in a warm, sunny area.
6. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet.
7. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.
Kevin (verified owner) –
Easy to grow beautiful
Patrick (verified owner) –
Great germination.
Angel (verified owner) –
The product is firmly packed.
Owen (verified owner) –
Very fast delivery.
Robert (verified owner) –
I was happy about the quick delivery and that the seeds actually sprouted within 7 days