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It's Button Snakeroot or Rattlesnakemaster. But don't worry the plant doesn't attract rattlesnakes! The name is derived from an old belief that the roots could be used to heal rattlesnake bites. Resembling something out of the Southwest United States, Rattlesnake master has an arid, heated look. Perhaps it's the yucca-like foliage, resembling its desert counterparts. Or the stiffness of the plant, reminiscent of evolutionary wonders that stand erect in even the most blinding heat. Or the flowers, nestled deep within a hardened carapace.

It is quite a striking plant. Ideal for gardens as specimens or in small groups, this native species will add texture and color to almost any perennial border. Stiff and only 1-4" wide, the sometimes 3-foot long leaves have small prickles along the edges. They are parallel-veined, that is their veins run lengthwise, unbranched from the base of the leaf to the tip.

Borne in spherical, thistle-like heads around 1" diameter, the individual flowers are a greenish-white and are surrounded by larger pointed bracts.The fruit essentially looks the same as the flowers, only darkening to a dull brown and remaining on the stalks for the remainder of the season. They are sometimes gathered and used in dried flower arrangements, but provide equal interest in the winter landscape. Each seedhead contains many 1/4" long seeds (mericarps).

Button Rattlesnakemaster, Button Eryngo, Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Arch Creek East Environmental Preserve, North Miami, FL

As I walk along with my dog Honey, these gleaming filaments jumped out at my eye and my lens. So long and curvaceous. Disconnected from an unknown source. And now hung by the wind on the end of this dried branch.

Arch Creek East Environmental Preserve, North Miami, FL

No, it's not bent or damaged. The seedhead really does hang under the blade and form a delightful, whimsical triangular shape. Over and over I've seen the same pattern. Unusual to me but maybe you know what kind of South Florida grass this is.

Arch Creek East Environmental Preserve, North Miami, FL

The Herons are a form that came from Chihuly's experimentation with blowing different shapes and using new techniques in Finland. Following the Reeds series, he continued to push his team to try new things with the elongated tube form. After many days, they made pieces that looked to them like herons, which are wading birds commonly found along Florida's shorelines and lakes.

Cobalt Herons by Dale Chihuly
Exhibited in the Founder's Court Pool
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Miami, FL