Rattlesnake master Eryngium yuccifolium
Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Apiaceae family, native to Tallgrass prairie and savanna of eastern and central US. It grows 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -35 °C (-31 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
Plan Rattlesnake master in your garden →
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Rattlesnake master at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -35 °C (-31 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about July for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tallgrass prairie and savanna of eastern and central US |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Rattlesnake master toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Rattlesnake master
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
See Rattlesnake master in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Missouri Botanical Garden (10 plants)
- Longwood Gardens (8 plants)
- Denver Botanic Gardens (6 plants)
Questions about Rattlesnake master
- How far apart should I plant Rattlesnake master?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Rattlesnake master need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Rattlesnake master need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Rattlesnake master?
- It tolerates about -35 °C (-31 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- When does Rattlesnake master flower?
- From about July for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Rattlesnake master poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Rattlesnake master?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Rattlesnake master. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS
Notes and assumptions
- Yucca-like blue leaves and spherical white flower heads; a top pollinator plant of the prairie garden.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Carrot Daucus carota subsp. sativus
- Parsley Petroselinum crispum
- Celery Apium graveolens
- Coriander (cilantro) Coriandrum sativum
- Dill Anethum graveolens
- Parsnip Pastinaca sativa
- Celeriac Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
- Florence fennel Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum