Cup Plant

The Towering Giant of the Prairie

Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum) is a plant that demands attention. Growing 6 to 8 feet tall, it features thick, square stems and pairs of leaves that join together to form a "cup" that holds rainwater. Birds and insects often drink from these tiny reservoirs. In summer, it is topped with bright yellow, sunflower-like blooms.

Why You Need It:

• Bird Water Source: The leaf cups provide water for birds during dry spells.
• Goldfinch Feeder: Goldfinches love to eat the seeds in the fall.
• Living Fence: Tall and dense enough to act as a summer privacy screen.

Planting Tips:

Plant in Full Sun. Warning: This is a big, bold plant that can spread. Give it plenty of room in a meadow or back border; it is too large for a small formal garden.