Rattlesnake Master Eryngium yuccifolium

Size: 60-80 cm (2-6 ft.).

Leaves and Flowers: Leaves are stiff, spiny-edged, and look much like a yucca. The basal leaves are the longest and the upper leaves are the shortest.

Flowers are thistle-like, spherical heads, white, with 5 parts. The small, 2 cm (3/4 in.), flowers look and feel rough. Seed heads have a honey-like aroma. It booms in July and August.

Habitat: Dry-moist prairie and open woods.

Range: New Jersey to Minnesota and south to Texas and Florida

Use: The plant was mistakenly believed to cure snake bites. It had a variety of uses including treatment of liver and kidney problems, nosebleed, and rheumatism. Fibers from the leaves were used to make rope by Native Americans.