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Drawing copyright Mark Müller
Apiaceae Family - "Rattlesnake Master, Button Snakeroot, Yucca-leaf Eryngo, Corn Snakeroot, Water-eryngo, Rattlesnake Flag, Rattlesnake Weed"
Eryngium from the Greek word for "a prickly plant" and yuccifolium from the Greek word for yucca leaves.
Found throughout the Tallgrass Region on wet or dry prairies and prairie remnants. Blooms from June through September. Sturdy plant growing two to six feet tall with bluish-green basal leaves up to feet long. Leaves on the upper stem are shorter but generally just as wide. The leaves have soft prickles along the edges. Several flower heads at the tips of the stem. The heads are made up of tiny white flowers and have a honey-like smell.
The root was used medicinally by Native Americans and early settlers. It provided them a diuretic, expectorant and emetic. In some cases the root was used to treat liver troubles. Chewing the root induces saliva flow. Teas and potions made from this plant gave results similar to those of today's Viagra.
