cup plant
Silphium perfoliatum
RHS AGM 2002
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size4 to 8 feet tall1 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) is a perennial for pollinator gardens, meadows, rain gardens, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to wet, loamy or clay soil. Its leaves join at the stem to form small cups that hold water and attract birds. It also draws birds for its seed. It spreads freely and pops up everywhere, so give it room.
Pairs well with Big bluestem, Dense blazing star, and Prairie dropseed.
Native range
North America.