Species PlantsCup Plant

Cup Plant

Silphium perfoliatum

CommonPlant
Illustration of Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)

Cup Plant is a robust prairie wildflower whose opposite leaves are fused around the square stem, forming a cup that holds rainwater. This water is used by many species of birds for drinking and bathing. Its numerous yellow flowers are visited by an extraordinary variety of native bees, and the seeds are consumed by finches.

Habitat
Moist prairie edges, stream banks, and disturbed habitats in the Midwest
Diet
Water cups used by many birds; seeds eaten by goldfinches; flowers for native bees
How common
Common

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