Description
Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum) is a tall, bold native perennial known for its bright yellow flowers and distinctive cup-forming leaves. The species name perfoliatum refers to the way each pair of leaves wraps around the stem, creating small basins that hold rainwater. These leaf cups can provide drinking water for birds and other wildlife during hot weather.
Growing 6 to 8 feet tall, Cup Plant stands above most prairie plants and blooms from mid to late summer. Its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while the seeds provide food for birds later in the season. It grows best in full sun and medium to wet soils but can tolerate average garden conditions.
Cup Plant spreads vigorously through rhizomes and self seeding and can form large colonies quickly. It is best suited to large gardens, prairies, and restoration plantings where it has room to spread and reach its full height. It may be aggressive and difficult to manage in smaller spaces.
Please note: Cup Plant is banned and cannot be sold, imported, transported, or propagated in New York, Connecticut, or Maine. Do not purchase this plant or its seeds if you live in these states. It is your responsibility to know which plant species are restricted in your state and county. Always check range maps and local regulations before purchasing any species.
