Silphium perfoliatum (Cup plant) 6-pack

Silphium perfoliatum, commonly known as cup plant, is a native prairie and wetland plant species that belongs to the sunflower family. It is a tall perennial plant that can grow up to 10 feet in height and is often found in moist soils and along stream banks throughout much of the central and eastern United States. One of the most distinctive features of Silphium perfoliatum is its opposite leaves that fuse together around the stem, forming a cup-like structure that can hold water. This unique adaptation allows the plant to capture rainwater and provides a habitat for insects and other small animals.

Silphium perfoliatum is an important plant for both plant conservation and ecology. It has a deep taproot that can grow up to 10 feet deep, which helps to anchor the plant in place and allows it to access water and nutrients from deep within the soil. This makes it an ideal plant for preventing soil erosion and improving soil structure, especially in wetland habitats. Additionally, Silphium perfoliatum is a valuable source of nectar and pollen for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths, making it an important plant for maintaining healthy ecosystems. Silphium perfoliatum also has a long history of medicinal use by Native American tribes for a variety of ailments, including fever and inflammation. Today, it is still used in herbal medicine as a natural remedy for fevers and as a diuretic.