rattlesnake master

noun

1. any of various plants of the genus Eryngium, especially E. yuccifolium, having spiny leaves and dense, rounded flower heads.

2. any of several other plants, especially of the genus Liatris.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rattlesnake master¹

An Americanism dating back to 1800–10

Example Sentences

Barnes wants us to grow another sculptural native perennial, the eryngium known as rattlesnake master, and asks: “Why don’t we all have this plant? I just planted 70.”

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Leave street noise 30 feet below as you walk past wildflowers such as shooting stars, purple prairie clover and rattlesnake master on paths meticulously landscaped to appear untended.

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