Silphium perfoliatum

Cup Plant stands tall, ascending over its square stem with bright yellow radial flowers,
resembling sunflowers. The leaves have a rough texture, have serrate margins, and are arranged
opposite on the stems. Higher up the plant, leaves connect forming a cup, giving this plant its
common name. Rainwater fills these cups, which small birds bathe in and drink. This flower can
grow in dry or wet soil but does not transplant well once it gets comfortable in its space. It can
even grow in clay but will not tolerate poor drainage or compacted soil. Gall wasp larvae, an
important form of pest control, eat the stems of this plant. Goldfinches and other birds eat the
seeds of this plant, which form around the outer edge of the radial disc. Cup Plant is threatened,
and is a protected species in North Carolina.