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Perennials, Weeds > Silphium > Silphium perfoliatum > Silphium perfoliatum

Silphium perfoliatum


Cup Plant, Carpenter’s Weed, Cup Rosin Weed




Origin:  Native to Missouri, the United States of America.
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Silphium
Species
perfoliatum
Category
Perennials, Weeds
USDA Hardiness Zone
1a - 6a
Canadian Hardiness Zone
0a - 5b
RHS Hardiness Zone
H7
Temperature (°C)
-51 - (-21)
Temperature (°F)
-60 - (-5)
Height
1 - 2.5 m
Spread
30 - 90 cm
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
JulyAugustSeptember
General Description
Silphium perfoliatum is a sunflower-like herbaceous perennial with tough, erect stems yellow flowers.
Landscape
Good for a low-maintenance backdrop to other perennials in rain or naturalized gardens. Will attract birds and butterflies. Needs lots of room to grow, can be weedy. Good for moist locations near water.
Cultivation
Grow in full sun, in moist, rich soil. Tolerant of clay and wet soils as well as some drought once established.
Growth
Fast
Pests
No serious pests or diseases of note.
Habitat
Low woods and thickets, meadows, prairie stream or pond edges.
Leaf Description
Opposite, basally united in pairs and perfoliate to form a cup shape, broad at base, tapering to a point with coarse crenation (rounded teeth) and palmate venation (several primary veins diverging from a point).
Flower Description
Single, sunflower-like heads up to 7.5 cm in diameter with 20 - 40 long, narrow, bright yellow rays and darker yellow centres.
Texture Description
Coarse.
Propagation
By seed, will self-seed in ideal conditions.
Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer)
The roots are diaphoretic (inducing perspiration), used to treat liver and spleen ailments, fevers, internal bruises, debility, ulcers, and as a general alterative restorative. Its gummy sap is a stimulant and antispasmodic.
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