FEATURES:
- May Benefit & Attract: cardinals & grosbeaks, wrens, sparrows, thrushes, orioles, finches, mockingbirds & thrashers, vireos
- The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.
- This bird-friendly native trees provides food and shelter for local and migrating birds and other wildlife
- All Audubon® branded trees are grown 100% Neonic-free by Bower & Branch, making these plants safer for the birds and safer for the environment.
- Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower
- Ships in a plant-safe designed box
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Mature Height: 2-4' tall
- Mature Width: 1-2' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Spacing: 1-2' apart
FEATURES:
- May Benefit & Attract: cardinals & grosbeaks, wrens, sparrows, thrushes, orioles, finches, mockingbirds & thrashers, vireos
- The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.
- This bird-friendly native trees provides food and shelter for local and migrating birds and other wildlife
- All Audubon® branded trees are grown 100% Neonic-free by Bower & Branch, making these plants safer for the birds and safer for the environment.
- Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower
- Ships in a plant-safe designed box
Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 3-8
- Mature Height: 2-4' tall
- Mature Width: 1-2' wide
- Exposure: Full Sun
- Spacing: 1-2' apart
Why plant 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.
How to use Audubon® Rattlesnake Master in the landscape?
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® Native Plants & Trees
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.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 3-8
How To Plant Audubon® Rattlesnake Master
Full sun and well-drained soils are key when growing Rattlesnake Master. In rich, moist soils or shady sites, the tall stems have a tendency to flop. You’ll want to water regularly during the establishment period, then ease up. Once it has a chance to put down its sizable taproot (it is in the carrot family, after all), it will be quite drought tolerant. Because of that taproot, Rattlesnake Master is not easy to move after it’s been in the ground for a while. Choose your site carefully. Plants may self-sow if you let them go to seed.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.