Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)
Very large plant with colorful yellow flowers that bloom a long period of time. Often forms colonies. Funnels water to itself with its perfoliate leaves. Long-tongued bees, skippers, and butterflies pollinate the plant. Goldfinches enjoy the seeds as well as drink the water captured by the leaves. Given the size of the plant, it provides good cover for birds.
Very large plant with colorful yellow flowers that bloom a long period of time. Often forms colonies. Funnels water to itself with its perfoliate leaves. Long-tongued bees, skippers, and butterflies pollinate the plant. Goldfinches enjoy the seeds as well as drink the water captured by the leaves. Given the size of the plant, it provides good cover for birds.
Very large plant with colorful yellow flowers that bloom a long period of time. Often forms colonies. Funnels water to itself with its perfoliate leaves. Long-tongued bees, skippers, and butterflies pollinate the plant. Goldfinches enjoy the seeds as well as drink the water captured by the leaves. Given the size of the plant, it provides good cover for birds.
Bloom: early to mid-summer
Habitats: along ditches near railroads; fence rows; fens and seeps; lake borders; low-lying woodland edges and thickets; moist black soil prairies; moist meadows near rivers
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): forb (4 to 10 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: loam