About Eryngium aquaticum L.
Eryngium aquaticum L. is a flowering plant species belonging to the Apiaceae family. It has several common names: rattlesnakemaster, marsh rattlesnake master, corn-snakeroot, bitter snakeroot, and marsh eryngo. This species is native to eastern North America.
It is a biennial or perennial herb that can reach a maximum height of 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches). Its stem is ribbed and erect, and it branches toward the top. It has alternately arranged, lance-shaped leaves with toothed edges. Basal leaves can grow up to 90 centimeters (35 inches) long and 9 centimeters (3.5 inches) wide. Its inflorescence holds white to blue flower heads, accompanied by spiny, blue-tinged bracts.
In its native wild habitat, this plant grows in wet soils, including areas adjacent to bogs, marshes, and ditches. It can tolerate saturated soils and periodic flooding.
A variety of Native American groups used this plant for a number of medicinal purposes. The Cherokee used it to treat nausea. The Choctaw used it as a remedy for snakebite and gonorrhea, while the Delaware used it to treat intestinal worms. Many different Native American groups brewed the plant into tea to treat gastrointestinal complaints. The Koasati people attributed magical powers to this plant.
Today, Eryngium aquaticum is used in flower arranging and grown as an ornamental garden plant. However, most plants sold commercially under the name E. aquaticum are actually specimens of Eryngium yuccifolium.
