Eryngium yuccifolium - Rattlesnake Master, Button Snakeroot

The white flowers appear in the summer. A very unique and different looking plant in every aspect from the foliage to the thistle like bloom and then with the seed pod. As suggested by the botanical name the foliage is basal and somewhat resembles that of a Yucca plant. The common name “Rattlesnake Master” is believed to come from the tales recounted by 18th Century Indian trader James Adair in which Native Americans chewed the root of this plant, blew it on their hands, and then proceeded to handle rattlesnakes with no harm. Of course there is no scientific evidence to support this at this time. This was a popular herb with the Native Americans who also used it for a number of other medicinal uses such as: expelling worms, to induce vomiting, to treat liver troubles, etc. 

Sun, Dry Soil, Summer, 3-5 ft Tall, Zones 5-9