Silphium perfoliatum

Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum) is a robust, perennial wildflower native to North America, known for its tall, square stems and large, opposite leaves that join at the stem to form a “cup” capable of holding water. This plant typically grows 4 to 8 feet tall and produces bright yellow, sunflower-like blooms from mid to late summer. Cup Plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, and it prefers moist to medium soils, making it well-suited for rain gardens, prairies, and wet meadows. It is drought-tolerant once established but performs best with consistent moisture. The plant’s unique leaf cups provide water for birds and pollinators, adding ecological value to native plantings.

Native range

Central & Eastern North AmericaNative here

Garden location

South Deck Foundation BedSouthwest Sidewalk Bed