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Rattlesnake-master (also commonly called button snake-root) is a Illinois native plant which occurs in rocky woods, prairies and glades throughout the State except for some far southern parts. It was a common plant of the tallgrass prairie which is the type of prairie found in Ilinois. This is a very odd member of the Carrot family that resembles a yucca or some other desert plant. In the past, the dried seedheads of Rattlesnake Master were used as rattles by American Indians. Pioneers thought the roots could be used as an effective antidote to rattlesnake bite, hence the common name of this plant. However, this belief proved erroneous. Fibers of Rattlesnake Master have also been found as one of the primary materials used in the ancient shoe construction of Midwestern Native Americans. (various sources)