Rattlesnake Master: A Distinctive Addition to Urban Gardens
Photo courtesy of Glenn Nagel
The Coastal Prairie Conservancy has collaborated with HNPAT and Clark Condon to create the 9 Natives program, which helps to promote the value of native plants for pollinators and makes native gardening more accessible for newcomers. By bringing bits of the prairie into the city, individuals and families can help support pollinators and learn about the historic coastal prairie landscape. CPC has also produced a video and supporting materials that demonstrate how to create a pollinator garden and how this will make a difference for local wildlife throughout the city.
Whether you have a backyard or live in an apartment or townhouse with limited yard space, the 9 Natives for Sun and 9 Natives for Shade can bring natural beauty to your surroundings without requiring a lot of maintenance. We're excited to showcase the remarkable rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) this month, a distinctive wildflower that will captivate your senses and spark curiosity in your garden.
Rattlesnake master is an extraordinary wildflower known for its architectural beauty and intriguing appearance. With its striking steel-blue, globe-shaped flowers and spiky leaves resembling yucca, this plant stands out as a conversation starter in any garden. Native to prairies and open woodlands, rattlesnake master adds a touch of uniqueness to gardens and green spaces, enticing both gardeners and nature enthusiasts alike.
Photo courtesy of Jaime Gonzáles
Rattlesnake master thrives in full sun, making it an ideal choice for urban gardens that receive ample sunlight. Aim for a location that provides at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure optimal growth and flowering. When it comes to soil, rattlesnake master prefers well-draining soil. Ensure the soil is prepared by loosening it and incorporating organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drainage.
You can start rattlesnake master from seeds or obtain young plants from local nurseries or native plant suppliers. If starting from seeds, sow them directly into the soil in early spring or fall, following the recommended depth and spacing. Keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs. If using transplants, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the plant in the hole, and backfill with soil, gently firming it around the base. Water the transplants thoroughly after planting to aid in their establishment.
Benefits of Rattlesnake Master:
Rattlesnake master offers a range of benefits that make it a valuable addition to your garden:
Unique beauty: The globe-shaped, steel-blue flowers of rattlesnake master create a visually striking and unique focal point in your garden.
Architectural interest: The spiky, yucca-like leaves add an architectural element to your garden, providing structure and texture.
Pollinator attraction: The nectar-rich flowers of rattlesnake master attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects, supporting the health of your garden ecosystem and our local ecosystem.
Drought tolerance: Rattlesnake master is well-adapted to survive periods of drought once established, making it suitable for urban environments with limited water resources.
Low maintenance: This resilient wildflower is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
Fun Fact: Rattlesnake master gets its name from historical beliefs that the plant had medicinal properties and could cure snakebites.
Embrace the uniqueness of rattlesnake master in your garden, as its striking appearance and architectural beauty create a captivating atmosphere. With its adaptability, pollinator attraction, drought tolerance, and low maintenance needs, rattlesnake master is a valuable addition to any garden space. Stay tuned for our next article, where we'll introduce gulf muhly, another native plant from CPC’s 9 Natives program!