Eryngium yuccifolium Rattlesnake Master

Ohio Native Plant Natural Range

For the natural range of Eryngium yuccifolium visit the United States Department of NRCS website.
Rare Plants of Ohio - Listed on Ohio Department of Natural Resources as - Potentially Threatened
These are the "flowers" on Rattlesnake Master
Cultivation Information Rattlesnake Master
Rattlesnake seedling resemble grass, but they are hard to tear and have distinct hairs on leaf edges

Height - 2 to 3 ftFlower Color - WhiteBlooms - July - SeptemberSun - SunPerennialHardy Zone - 4 to 9Soil - Moist to Medium Dry Family - Apiaceae
Wait late into the fall to collect Eryngium yuccifolium seed, as it needs to be dry and easily fall from the seed head
Eryngium yuccifolium by Jim Wohl
Wildlife Significance Rattlesnake Master
Host Plant - Rattlesnake Master borer moth (Papaipema eryngii) and Black Swallowtail Butterfly
Pollen - Nectar - Long-tongued bees, short-tongued bees, Bumblebee, wasps, flies, beetles, and plant bugs.
Nectar Source - skippers, moths, yellow faced bees, monarchs, viceroys, red- shouldered pine beetles,
Deer - Are not fond of this plant
For detailed information on Rattle Snakemaster visit Illinois Wildflower website.
Propagation Notes Eryngium yuccifolium
Stratifying Seeds

Seed Collection - Late in the fall, once flowers heads are brown and dry. Loosen seeds from seed head; dry for a few weeks.
Stratify - Cold/moist stratify for 60 days. Store seeds in a small plastic baggie that contains a sufficient amount of vermiculite to cover the seed. Germination Rates - Highly successful! Germination rate is especially high when starting seeds indoors Fall Sowing - We have had very good success sowing Rattlesnake Master seed outdoors in the fall. Protecting flats with a small cold frame prevents heavy spring rains from damaging tender seedling and serves as a barrier to small mammals and rodents during the winter
Seed Provenance Eryngium yuccifolium
Nodding Gardens - Plant 2010 - from Scioto Gardens -Delaware, OH - Nodding Onion Gardens 2011- present