Siphium perfoliatum, Cup Plant, is named because its large broad leaves form a "cup" where they attach to the square stem. These cups catch and retain rainwater for insects and birds (see corresponding photo). Cup Plant is also considered "carnivorous" because it absorbs the insects that drown in its cups.

Standing tall at around six feet (more in wetter soils, less in drier soils), its yellow blossoms can be seen starting in July when the butterflies visit them, and then later when the birds begin to feed on its seeds. Cup Plant is quite easy to grow in average garden soil and in diverse prairie plantings in heavier or wetter soils. It can be readily started from seed by fall planting outdoors, or, if planted in spring, a period of 60 days of moist, cold stratification is recommended prior to sowing (see Germination Code C(60) below).

Seeds / Packet: 75
Seeds / Ounce: 1,400

Dormant bare root plants ship each year during optimal transplanting seasons: Spring (April - May) and Fall (October).