FLOWER OF THE WEEK AT SOPCHOPPY DEPOT PARK

Marsh Rattlesnake Master

By LYNN ARTZ, SANDY TEDDER and DAVID RODDENBERRY

The unusual blooms of marsh rattlesnake master (Eryngium aquaticum) stand out in wetland gardens and flower arrangements. Tiny greenish-white flowers are tightly packed into spheres tinged purple or blue. The spiny ½- to 1-inch flowerheads sit atop branched stems 2-4 feet tall. Also called corn snakeroot, marsh rattlesnake master thrives in full sun in consistently moist soil. It can be difficult to maintain. It attracts many pollinators and is especially important for native bees. Although this wildflower is a member of the carrot family, the caterpillars of eastern black swallowtail butterflies do not eat its leaves. Sometimes plants sold as Eryngium aquaticum are actually Eryngium yuccifolium, a hardier cousin with yucca-like leaves called button rattlesnake master. Marsh rattlesnake master is blooming now near the pond at Sopchoppy Depot Park.