Silphium perfoliatum
The leaves of this plant form a cup-like structure that collects water
Silphium perfoliatum cup-plant
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Pairs of cauline leaves connect to each other around the stem (leaves are perfoliate) and are able to hold water like a cup. This plant often forms colonies from fibrous rhizomes. Birds visit the plant to drink water from the cup and feed on the seeds.
Habitat & Range
Grows in floodplains, abandoned fields & moist meadows.
See distribution map at BONAP.
| EMP: | FAC |
|---|---|
| NCNE: | FACW |
Phenology
Flowers July through October.
Characteristics
Flowers heads in an open inflorescence, rays yellow
Leaves:
Cauline leaves large and perfoliate (pairs joined together at the stem) forming a cup; coarsely toothed, and pointy at the tip.
Basal leaves wither away by flowering time.
Stems erect, stout and squarish, mostly smooth with a reddish tint.
Special Characters
Perfoliate leaves form a cup around the stem that collects water.
Plant Codes
S-rank: S4 (Apparently secure)
G-rank: G5 (Secure)
Silphium perfoliatum cup-plant
