Silphium perfoliatum (cup plant)

General info: Silphium perfoliatum commonly called Cup Plant is a North American native perennial that thrives in medium to wet soil in full sun. Silphium perfoliatum is typically found in thickets, meadows, or the periphery of ponds and streams. This tough perennial likes moist soil, however, once established it is somewhat drought tolerant. Silphium perfoliatum is rough sunflower like perennial that will aggressively self-seeds. Cup Plant can reach heights up to eight feet tall and gets its namesake from its pairs of cup-forming leaves.

Landscape uses: Silphium perfoliatum would be a great plant for a meadow or wildflower garden. This perennial is usually used in naturalized areas or used to break up other native perennials in native plant gardens. Cup plant would also be an excellent choice for along a pond or in an open wet area with lots of space.