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Hardiness: USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F) USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F) USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F) USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F) USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F) USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F) USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F) USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F) USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F) USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F) USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F) USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F) USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F) USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Danger: Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Bloom Color: Pale Green Light Blue
Bloom Time: Mid Summer Late Summer/Early Fall
Foliage: Herbaceous Silver/Gray
Other details: This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Soil pH requirements: 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information: Non-patented
Propagation Methods: By dividing the rootball From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
Seed Collecting: Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
On Oct 22, 2006, quasymoto from Bloomfield, IA (Zone 5b) wrote:
We have had Rattlesnake master for a good 10 years. I have found here in Iowa it did not like the East side of the house where there was a water spigot. I moved it and have moved the plant a few times with no trouble and just realised it is in the same family as my blue sea holly. So I do like the contrast they add to an area.
On Aug 1, 2006, melody from Benton, KY (Zone 7a) wrote:
Cultural information only.
Found they are found in pastures, woods and thickets throughout most of the eastern US from Minnesota,south to Texas, and Connecticut to Florida in the east
On May 21, 2005, Ladyfern from Jeffersonville, IN (Zone 6a) wrote:
Self-seeds if you leave the seed-heads on the plants. Seedlings are easily moved, but don't wait too long. Once they're established, they resent transplanting. Do not try to move or divide established plants. May need to stake the tall flower stalks. Needs excellent drainage, or it will rot over the winter. A wonderful accent plant and conversation piece.
On Jan 17, 2005, JodyC from Palmyra, IL (Zone 5b) wrote:
The flowering
heads attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued
bees, short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies,
skippers, moths, beetles, and plant bugs.
Seeking nectar, although some of the bees may collect
pollen for their brood nests. The caterpillars of the rare
Papaipema eryngii (Rattlesnake Master Borer Moth)
The coarse foliage and
prickly balls of flowers are not popular as a source of
food with mammalian herbivores, although they may nibble
the leaves.
On Oct 12, 2004, smiln32 from Oklahoma City, OK (Zone 7a) wrote:
The name "Rattlesnake Master" is due to an old myth that the roots could be used to heal rattlesnake bites. It looks a lot like a yucca plant. Makes a good accent plant.
On Aug 8, 2001, mystic from Ewing, KY (Zone 6a) wrote:
This plant stumps many beginning wildflower enthusiasts. A member of the carrot family, it looks similar to a small yucca or agave: broad, linear leaves that taper to a sharp point and grow in dense, stemless rosettes. Unlike true yuccas and agaves, rattlesnake master grows best in moist habitats (although it is also sometimes found in drier areas.) The flower heads are aggregated into white, rounded heads. A very ornamental and popular species of Eryngium.
Regional...
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Auburn, Alabama Opelika, Alabama Huntington, Arkansas Morrilton, Arkansas Menifee, California Bartow, Florida Palm Coast, Florida Rockledge, Florida Lula, Georgia Divernon, Illinois La Grange Park, Illinois Machesney Park, Illinois Oak Park, Indiana Bloomfield, Iowa Louisville, Kentucky Taylorsville, Kentucky Pollock, Louisiana Dearborn Heights, Michigan Watervliet, Michigan Eveleth, Minnesota Madison, Mississippi Crestwood, Missouri Cross Timbers, Missouri Lincoln, Nebraska Frenchtown, New Jersey New Milford, New Jersey Polkton, North Carolina Fruit Hill, Ohio Glouster, Ohio Toledo, Ohio Freemansburg, Pennsylvania Oakland, South Carolina Dallas, Texas Fate, Texas Merit, Texas Burlington, Vermont Jolivue, Virginia Bryn Mawr-skyway, Washington Kalama, Washington Great Cacapon, West Virginia Rice Lake, Wisconsin
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