Eryngium yuccifolium

Rattlesnake Master is a forb characteristic of the tall grass prairie but it is native to the eastern portion of the U.S. south of West Virginia. It has unusual form — some say architectural — as well as color (greyish green throughout), reminding one of a desert plant. Rattlesnake Master has a heavy crown and tap root, which provide drought-hardiness but which make it difficult to transplant. It is best grown in full sun with well drained soil in a range of pH, like the warm season grasses which are so visually complementary and which can help it remain upright. The dominant leaves, long and strap-like, appear as a basal rosette and are up to 2 ½ feet long, 2 ½ inches across, (“yuccifolium” = leaves like a Yucca plant). This foliage supports one or two 3-5-foot, branched flowering stalks each with 4-5 “button” inflorescences. The stalks and inflorescences are similarly greyish greenish white and fragrant. The button-like inflorescence contains many white, stalkless flowers subtended by spiky, prickly bracts, and the flower head resembles a thistle. It is pollinated by many insects, especially wasps, and it is valuable for supporting insect diversity.