Silphium perfoliatum

Also Known As

Cup Plant

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 4'-10'
W: 2'-4'

planting zones

5a-10a

More Options

Silphium perfoliatum plant details

Silphium perfoliatum is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In fall and summer yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in rich soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Silphium perfoliatum

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: lamiaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 4 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in fall and summer
Uses: border plant, cutting garden, native plant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Silphium perfoliatum

USDA Zones: 5a - 10a
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: rich

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Silphium perfoliatum is known as cup plant due to the large leaves that clasp the stem and catch rain water. It is a dramatic perennial with large leaves and towering stems that can reach 6-8 feet tall with bright yellow daisies in summer and fall. Birds and insects use the collected water for a source of drinking water. Insects enjoy the nectar of the flowers and birds will eat the resultant seeds.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Striking (to 10') and fascinating, this native ?sunflower? has pairs of large leaves which clasp the stem forming ?cups? where water collects and is enjoyed by hummingbirds!; said to tolerate some shade. S-PSh/M-Damp

By: Forestfarm

A must for attracting wildlife, this tall member of the Aster family, grows 4-8' tall bearing branches of 3" yellow daisies from mid summer to early fall. Commonly called Cup Plant because the middle and upper leaves lack petioles, and the leaves envelope the stem to form a little reservoir which holds water to nourish birds and butterflies. Especially attractive are the seed heads that follow in fall, resembling, in my opinion, little green ranunculus. This Silphium is rather easy to grown but loves a wet soil that has a neutral or slightly alkaline pH.

By: Avant Gardens

Cupplant (Silphium perfoliatum) is the single best species for attracting birds! It provides food, water and cover. The leaves clasp the stems to form cups that catch rainwater. Songbirds, butterflies and hummingbirds come for a drink, and in fall, goldfinches descend upon the plants to devour the seeds. Hardy to Zones 3 - 8.

By: Prairie Nursery

Massive perennial, reaching up to 8 feet with big yellow daisy flowers in the late summer. Though, of course, you'll probably need a ladder to get up and appreciate them. Called the cup plant, because the leaves form a neat little cup around the stem, which is rather cool, and after rains will hold water that birds will use as bird baths. Not a plant for a small garden, but just the thing if you need something big and coarse and over-the-top. Zone 3