Rattlesnake Master Seeds
$4.25
Eryngium yuccifolium
A unique, textural addition to any perennial, pollinator, or cutting garden. Beloved by florists fresh or dried, Eryngium Yuccifolium, known as Rattlesnake Master, Button Eryngo, Beargrass, and Button Snake-root, got its name from early European pioneers who falsely believed the plant was an antidote for rattlesnake venom. It is an herbaceous perennial native to the open woodlands and tall grass prairies of the Central United States as well as many Eastern and Southeastern states. Despite looking like a thistle, this funky plant is actually in the carrot family (Apiaceae), as you can smell if you crush the leaves. But don’t eat it! It is a meal best left to the Eastern Black Swallowtails.
Rattlesnake Master loves full sun and dry, loamy sand, but will grow in most garden soil provided it is given enough midday sun. It will self seed in optimal conditions and has deep roots which help it store water and survive dry summers. Rattlesnake Master is rabbit and deer resistant as the texture is not favorable to them. Rattlesnake master is summer flowering, May through September, and will bloom in its second to third growing season. Each stalk grows three to twenty flower heads. Plants grow to four feet. Can spread two to three feet wide. Needs cold moist stratification to germinate. Direct seed in late fall to early winter. Check out the How to Grow tab for more information! Full Sun. Perennial. 0.3 gram packet contains a minimum of 40 seeds.
- Growing Information
- Seed Saving Information
Why Grow Rattlesnake Master
Native to much of the Central United States and Eastern United States, this tall grass prairie and open woodland plant is beloved by many native pollinators. It makes a great and long lasting cut flower, as well as a great dried flower, and it is adored by many florists for its textural and structural value. It will add a fun personality to your gardens and grows in almost any garden soil. Native plants are critical for native pollinators, as they have evolved side by side. By planting flowers and plants native to your location, you will be feeding pollinators who play important roles in our ecosystems.
How to Grow Rattlesnake Master
Although Rattlesnake Master will grow in most garden soils, it prefers dry, loamy sand and full sun. It will take a few growing seasons before it flowers, but once it does, it will flower year after year with very little care requirements. If it is in an optimal spot for growing, it will even self seed and spread.
When to Plant Rattlesnake Master
Direct sow Rattlesnake Master in late fall to early winter. This native seed needs a period of 30 days cold stratification to germinate, and is easiest to do organically by planting in the late fall to early winter directly outdoors. You can also plant it in the spring, but the seeds need to be stratified first to germinate.
Where to Plant Rattlesnake Master
Rattlesnake master prefers open woodland and grass prairie conditions. Plant in full sun in moist but well draining soil. It would do well in a native pollinator garden with other native pollinators, or in a cottage cutting flower garden.
Suggested companion flowers: Joe Pye Weed, Rudbeckia, Echinacea, Milkweed, Goldenrod, Southeast Native Mix
How to Plant Rattlesnake Master
Direct sow ¼ inch deep. Lightly compact soil after sowing. If direct sowing in the fall or early winter, cold stratification will happen organically. If planting in the spring, you can stratify the seeds indoors by putting the seeds on a moist paper towel inside of a plastic bag and keeping it in the fridge for 30 days before planting out in the spring.
How Often to Water Rattlesnake Master
When establishing Rattlesnake Master, keep seeds and seedlings moist. Once established, this native will take care of itself and does not need to be watered. It will survive dry hot summers by its deep root systems.
Collect Rattlesnake Master seed heads in the fall after they have turned brown and dried out. Manually pull the seeds away from the seed head, or cut the heads and put them into a bag and shake vigorously until the seeds have separated and collected in the bottom. Store in a cool, dry place.