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Silphium integrifolium

Phonetic Spelling
SIL-phee-um in-teg-rih-FOE-lee-um
Description

Silphium is derived from the Green name silphion, referring to a plant native to northern Africa that bears resin.  Integrifolium is a plant with entire or uncut leaves.

Rosinweed is a native herbaceous perennial in the aster family found in central USA and parts of Canada. It grows along roadsides and railroad tracks, in fields, prairies, and pastures. The sunflower-like blooms occur in late summer to fall on up to 6-foot tall stems and attracts bees and butterflies. 

It typically grows to a height of 2' to 3', which is lower than other native silphiums, but can reach a height of up to 6' tall.  Its strong stems help keep this plant erect, while others may flop over.  

As the foliage ascends the plant, they will rotate around the stem by 90 degrees.  Side stems may form with small panicles of flowers.  

It is adaptable to most soil types if they are well-drained in full sun.  Some light shade is tolerated. It is drought tolerant once established. Use this plant in naturalized or native areas. It may be too weedy to use in a small garden.

Growing from a taproot and short rhizomes, it will form clumps but does not aggressive spread.

Although not a favorite of small herbivores due to the height and coarseness of the leaves, larger herbivores will eat the stems, leaves and flowers.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious issues.  Occasional leaf spot, rust and downy mildew.  

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#drought tolerant#disease resistant#herbaceous#herbaceous perennial#naturalizes#wind dispersed seeds#naturalized area#clay soils tolerant#bird friendly#dry soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#showy#perennial#insect resistant#butterfly garden
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#drought tolerant#disease resistant#herbaceous#herbaceous perennial#naturalizes#wind dispersed seeds#naturalized area#clay soils tolerant#bird friendly#dry soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#showy#perennial#insect resistant#butterfly garden
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Silphium
    Species:
    integrifolium
    Family:
    Asteraceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Native wildflower
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Central USA and into Canada
    Distribution:
    AL , AR , CO , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MI , MN , MO , MS , NE , NM , OK , SD , TN , TX , WI
    Fire Risk Rating:
    medium flammability
    Wildlife Value:
    Attracts bees and butterflies. Songbird will eat the seeds. It has special value to Bumble Bees.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Easy to Grow
    Wildlife Food Source
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    The large, flat seeds can be spread by the wind.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Corymb
    Panicle
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    more than 20 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    2-3 inch wide sunflower-like flowers with 30-40 rays and many disc florets and subtended by bracts with reflexed tips. Blooms July to Sept.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Rough
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Rough, stalkless, large paired leaves with or without teeth with resinous juices. Up to 8 inches long, lance to ovate shaped, hairs on both surfaces.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Surface:
    Hairy (pubescent)
    Stem Description:
    Strong green stems are hairy. They may become glabrous as the plant ages.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Diseases
    Drought
    Dry Soil
    Insect Pests
    Problems:
    Weedy