Plant Spotlight: Marsh Rattlesnake Master

Time for Maeve's faves! I am a big fan of marsh rattlesnake master (Eryngium aquaticum). Don't be intimidated by the name! 🐍 These plants do not attract snakes; rather, the name reflects indigenous medicinal uses. Local to the coastal southeast, this is a species I feel lucky to get to grow as a native plant of our region.

Blooming in late summer, the thistle-like flowers are a gorgeous periwinkle color and are a pollinator favorite. They are also a host plant for insect herbivores. In the garden, they add vertical elements and the seed heads provide winter texture.

The genus Eryngium is one of my all-around favorites. They grow in a wide variety of habitats and have diverse growth forms. Rattlesnake master (Eryngium yuccifolium) is similar, but the leaves are more spiky and it favors drier conditions. Other species are creeping groundcovers in moist areas.