Eryngium aquaticum is a species of flowering plant in the family Apiaceae known by the common name rattlesnakemaster,[1] marsh rattlesnake master,[2] corn-snakeroot, bitter snakeroot, and marsh eryngo.[3] This plant is native to eastern North America.[2]
This biennial or perennial herb grows up to 2 meters tall. The ribbed, erect stem branches toward the top. There are alternately arranged leaves which are lance-shaped and toothed on the edges. The basal leaves may be up to 90 centimeters long by 9 wide. The inflorescence contains white to blue flower heads with spiny, blue-tinged bracts.[3]
In the wild this plant grows in wet soils, such as those by bogs, marshes, and ditches. It tolerates saturated soils and periodic flooding.[3]
This plant had a number of medicinal uses for Native American groups. The Cherokee people used it for nausea.[4] The Choctaw people used it as a remedy for snakebite and gonorrhea, and the Delaware people used it for intestinal worms.[4] Many groups made it into tea to treat gastrointestinal complaints. The Koasati attributed magical powers to the plant.[1]
This plant is used in flower arranging and as an ornamental garden plant.[3] However, most plants sold under the name E. aquaticum are actually specimens of Eryngium yuccifolium.[3] [5]