Cup Plant (Native Prairie)

Silphium perfoliatum. A tall sunflower-type perennial that produces square-shaped, leafy green stalks 8-10' high. Each stalk produces numerous small sunflowers that are highly attractive to butterflies and bees. Goldfinches and other birds enjoy the dry, mature seed heads if not collected promptly. Where the leaves meet the stalk, a small cup is formed that collects and holds water giving the plant its name. Needs protection from deer