Audubon® Rattlesnake Master

An architectural Spirit for sunny spaces! With its slim, smooth foliage and tall stems topped with prickly white flowerheads, Rattlesnake Master makes a striking picture. But this prairie native is more than just eye candy—it’s a pollinator powerhouse! When the flowers open in midsummer, they are mobbed by bees and beneficial wasps, not to mention butterflies. Monarchs, swallowtails, viceroys, buckeyes, painted ladies, hairstreaks, and skippers are some of the many butterflies that may come to sample the sweet nectar. In fall, songbirds arrive to pick the seeds from the spiky seedheads.

Why the strange name? Ancient Native Americans believed that Rattlesnake Master could be used as a cure or preventative for rattlesnake bites. Hopefully, not too many people subscribed to this notion, because there isn’t any truth in it! A more practical use for the plant by early Americans was as footwear. Its tough but flexible foliage was woven into shoes and sandals. In fact, 8,000-year-old Rattlesnake Master shoes were once found in a Missouri cave, preserved in the cool, dry conditions. Rattlesnake Master is a denizen of prairies and open woods across the Midwest and Southeast.

Rattlesnake Master is host to an interesting little moth called the Rattlesnake Master borer. This insect is endangered in some states due to the disappearance of its sole food source. Cases like this illustrate how important it is for us to plant a diversity of native plants in our gardens. Some insects are very specific in their requirements, and populations can be threatened or even wiped out completely when they can’t find what they need.

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

Audubon® is a licensed and registered trademark of the National Audubon Society. All rights reserved.