Eryngium yuccifolium (Rattlesnake Master)


Botanical Information

FamilyApiaceae
GenusEryngium
Speciesyuccifolium
CategoryPerennials
OriginSouth and East United States.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3 - 8
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone1a - 8a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-40 - (-7)
Temperature (°F)-40 - 20
Height1 - 1.5 m
Spread0.5 - 1 m
Flowering PeriodJuly, August, September, October

Description and Growing Information

PropagationSow fresh seed in containers with germination in 1-2 weeks at 65-75°F (18-23°C). Can also be done by division.
CultivationGrows in well-drained, dry to moist soil in full sunlight. Can tolerate sandy soils.
PestsSlugs, snails and powdery mildews.
Notable SpecimensThe Gardens of Fanshawe College, London, Ontario, Canada and The A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatCentral and eastern North America
Leaf DescriptionLinear leaves 15–100 cm long but only 1–3 cm broad, with bristly or spiny margins and a sharp tip.
Flower DescriptionThe flowers are produced in dense apical umbels 1–3 cm diameter, each flower greenish-white or bluish-white, 3–4 mm diameter.

Photographs