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.
How do I prune Eryngium yuccifolium?
Remove spent flower heads to encourage tidiness; cut back stems in late fall or early spring.
How big does Eryngium yuccifolium grow?
Eryngium yuccifolium reaches a height of 1.0 m.
Is Eryngium yuccifolium hardy in the UK?
Eryngium yuccifolium has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Eryngium yuccifolium?
Seed, Root cuttings, Division.
More in the Eryngium genus
- Eryngium agavifoliumSea Holly
- Eryngium bromeliifoliumpineapple-leaved eryngo
- Eryngium eburneum
- Eryngium horridumSea Holly
- Eryngium planum 'Blaue Kappe'Blue Eryngo
- Eryngium planum 'Seven Seas'Blue Eryngo
- Eryngium proteiflorumprotea-like-flowered eryngo
- Eryngium serraSea Holly
