Cup Plant

(Silphium perfoliatum)

Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

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Copyright Notice: Photo by: Hardyplants assumed | License Type: Public domain | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/public-domain/ | Uploader: Hardyplants | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Cupplants.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description={{en|1=mature bud and two fruits of ''[[Sisyrinchium angustifolium]]'', Minneapolis garden}} |Source={{own}} |Author=[[User:Erutuon|Erutuon]] |Date=2010-23-05 |Permission= |other_versions= }} [[Category:Sisyrinchium angustifoli |

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Silphium perfoliatum, commonly known as cup plant or cup-plant, is a robust herbaceous perennial native to moist prairies, floodplains, and low-lying areas in eastern and central North America. It can reach heights of 4 to 8 feet (1.2 to 2.4 meters) and spreads 2 to 4 feet (0.6 to 1.2 meters) wide. The plant is characterized by its square stems and pairs of large, coarse, triangular toothed leaves that join at the stem to form a cup-like structure, hence the common name. From mid-summer to early fall, it produces bright yellow, daisy-like composite flower heads that are highly attractive to pollinators.

Cup plant is valued for its resilience to extreme weather, including its ability to survive winter temperatures down to −30 °C (−22 °F). Its optimal growing temperature is 20 °C (68 °F). The flowers are not only ornamental but also beneficial for attracting pollinators, while the seeds and stem "cups" provide food and water for birds. This plant is ideal for naturalistic plantings, rain gardens, and wildlife gardens due to its ecological benefits. It thrives in full sun and is adaptable to various moisture levels, from low to high, and prefers soils with slow to medium drainage. However, gardeners should be cautious as Silphium perfoliatum can be invasive outside its native range and should be checked before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 4-8 feet
Width: 1-3 feet
Growth Rate: Rapid
Flower Color: Yellow
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Medium
Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Moist prairies, floodplains, and low-lying areas in eastern and central North America

Other Names

Common Names: Cup Rosinweed, Indian-Gum, Cup-Plant, Indian Cup-Plant, Cupleaf Rosinweed, Squarestem Rosinweed, Skålplante, Verwachsenblättrige Becherpflanze, Durchwachsene Silphie, Becherpflanze

Scientific Names: , Silphium perfoliatum, Silphium hornemanni, Silphium conjunctum, Silphium erythrocaulon, Silphium perfoliatum f. petiolatum, Silphium scabrum, Silphium perfoliatum subsp. perfoliatum, Resinocaulon perfoliatum, Silphium perfoliatum f. hornemannii

GBIF Accepted Name: Silphium perfoliatum L.