Eryngium yuccifolium (rattlesnake master) — Clump forming

Overview

Eryngium yuccifolium is a clump forming perennial herb in the genus Eryngium, part of the Apiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1.0 m tall. Eryngium yuccifolium grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, coastal, gravel garden, wildlife gardens, cut flowers and flower borders and beds. It is native to Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland and Michigan.

About

Eryngium yuccifolium, known as rattlesnake master, button eryngo, and button snake-root, is a perennial herb of the parsley family native to the tallgrass prairies of central and eastern North America. It grows from Minnesota east to Ohio and south to Texas and Florida, including a few spots in Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Eryngium yuccifolium

About the genus

Eryngium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae. There are about 250 species. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution, with centres of diversity in the western Mediterranean, South America and Mexico.

Wikipedia contributors, "Eryngium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Eryngium

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Eryngium

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
Exposure: Exposed
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Eryngium yuccifolium size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial herb
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 1.0 m
Suggested uses: Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Eryngium yuccifolium

Cultivation: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; minimal fertilization needed
Pruning: Remove spent flower heads to encourage tidiness; cut back stems in late fall or early spring
Propagation: Seed, Root cuttings, Division
Pest resistance: Leaf and bud eelworms, Slugs and snails
Disease resistance: Root rot, Powdery mildews

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Eryngium yuccifolium?

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; minimal fertilization needed.

Where is the best place to plant Eryngium yuccifolium?

Eryngium yuccifolium prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.

What soil does Eryngium yuccifolium need?

Eryngium yuccifolium is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.