Rattlesnake Master
Eryngium yuccifolium
Also known as Button Snakeroot, Button Eryngo
Climate Match for your location
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A native prairie perennial with spiky, yucca-like foliage and distinctive pale blue-green button-like flower heads that attract pollinators. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established.
Why grow it
Rattlesnake master outperforms most ornamental prairie perennials in sustained drought conditions once established, requiring minimal supplemental water or fertilizer. Its pale flower heads and architectural foliage provide a distinct visual character compared to more common prairie species, while supporting native pollinator populations. The plant's deep taproot system makes it particularly suited to well-drained soils and sloped sites where shallow-rooted alternatives struggle.
Watch out for
Seedlings develop slowly and benefit from consistent moisture during the first season, which contrasts with its later drought tolerance. The plant's preference for full sun and poor-to-moderate soil means it may underperform in rich garden soils or partial shade, where it tends toward lush foliage at the expense of flowering. Expect 2-3 years before the plant reaches mature size and flowering vigor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Central and eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native prairie perennial with spiky, yucca-like foliage and distinctive pale blue-green button-like flower heads that attract pollinators. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Rattlesnake Master grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Rattlesnake master outperforms most ornamental prairie perennials in sustained drought conditions once established, requiring minimal supplemental water or fertilizer. Its pale flower heads and architectural foliage provide a distinct visual character compared to more common prairie species, while supporting native pollinator populations. The plant's deep taproot system makes it particularly suited to well-drained soils and sloped sites where shallow-rooted alternatives struggle.
Watch out for
Seedlings develop slowly and benefit from consistent moisture during the first season, which contrasts with its later drought tolerance. The plant's preference for full sun and poor-to-moderate soil means it may underperform in rich garden soils or partial shade, where it tends toward lush foliage at the expense of flowering. Expect 2-3 years before the plant reaches mature size and flowering vigor.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apiaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Central and eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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