Prairie and Wetland Center Address

Silphium perfoliatum

Cup Plant

Click here for print friendly version.
Silphium perfoliatum (Cup Plant)

Unlike other silphiums, this plant is distinguished by its pairs of cup-forming leaves which clasp the square, central stem and hold water after a rain or heavy dew. Birds and insects are often seen sipping from the "cups." In summer, the plant blooms with soft yellow 3" flowers born atop stout stems.

[ Add to Shopping List ]

Height
48-96 Inches

spacer

Spread
12-36 Inches

spacer

Bloom/Seasonal Color
Soft Yellow


USDA Hardiness Zone 4-8

Good Companions
Marsh Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae), Downy Skullcap (Scutellaria incana), Northern Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

Characteristics & Attributes

Hydrologic Designation

FACW-

Nature Attracting

Songbird

Season of Interest

Late (July-frost)

Soil Moisture

Moderate
High

Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Medium Sun/Average Shade

USFS MO Ecological Map

Wildlife Benefit

Food/Birds