Like several other native plants, Rattlesnake Master got its name from the belief that its roots could be used to treat rattlesnake bites. (There is currently no scientific evidence to support this claim.) The leaves of Rattlesnake Master closely resemble those of the Yucca Plant. In fact, it's classified as a member of the Eryngium Yuccifolium species, in the Parsley (Apiaceae) family. Each stalk has several ball shaped, spiked heads at the top, making it one of the more interesting looking plants of the prairie. As with most native plants, Rattlesnake Master requires very specific environmental conditions. It grows only on the area of highest quality at South Fork Prairie, though it's hoped that continued burning and selective mowing will increase its numbers and range.

Pictured below is a pair of Rattlesnake Master stems taken in the winter. Inside each "bristle point" is a seed.