Rattlesnake Master

Description:

"Its common name sounds like an ominous villain in a western. But this odd member of the carrot family—sporting yucca-like leaves and prickly balls of flowers—is simply a tall wildflower prairie species with a unique appearance and colorful past. Native Americans used the dried seedheads as rattles, and pioneers mistakenly believed the roots to be an effective antidote for rattlesnake bite. The plant’s whitish-green balls contain numerous small white flowers that are individually surrounded by prickly bracts (specialized leaves). The flowers attract many kinds of insects, including long-tongued and short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, butterflies, skippers, moths, beetles and plant bugs. These insects usually seek nectar, although some of the bees may collect pollen for their nests." From: http://www.lpzoo.org/blog/index.php/plan...

Habitat:

"It can be locally common in some high quality habitats, otherwise it is fairly uncommon. Habitats include moist to slightly dry black soil prairies, clay prairies, sand prairies, thickets, typical savannas, sandy savannas, and limestone glades." From: http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prai...

Notes:

Fitchie Creek Forest Preserve, Kane County, IL. Seed head picture was taken mid-July.