Silphium perfoliatum
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(c) Dan Mullen, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc-nd
(c) Dan Mullen, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND)
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(c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman
Summary
Source: WikipediaSilphium perfoliatum, the cup plant or cup-plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, native to eastern and central North America. It is an erect herbaceous perennial with triangular toothed leaves, and daisy-like yellow composite flower heads in summer. The specific epithet perfoliatum means "through the leaf." There are two varieties: Silphium perfoliatum var. connatum Silphium perfoliatum var. perfoliatum.
Description
A herb. It can grow 2 m tall. The leaves are square. The leaves are almost opposite. They are egg shaped and cup like at the bottom. There are teeth around the edge. The flower heads are 2.5 cm across and golden yellow.
Edible Uses
No edible uses are known.
Traditional Uses
The young leaves are cooked and eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
Cup plant was used medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes to treat a variety of complaints, though it sees little or no use in modern herbalism. A decoction of the root has been used to treat the stoppage of periods, morning sickness, and to help prevent premature birth. Given these conflicting uses, the plant is best avoided by pregnant women unless under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. The root is alterative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hepatic, stimulant, styptic and tonic. It is used for liver and spleen disorders, and a root decoction has been taken internally for back and chest pain, lung haemorrhages, and morning sickness. A decoction has also been applied as a face wash to treat paralysis, and a poultice of moistened dried root applied to wounds to stop bleeding.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.
Where It Grows
North America, Slovenia, USA,
Cultivation
Succeeds in any ordinary garden soil. Prefers a deep moisture retentive moderately fertile soil that is not too nitrogen rich, in sun or dappled shade. Hardy to at least -25°c. Plants have a deep and extensive root system which makes transplanting difficult. An aromatic resin exudes from the crushed leaves and stems.
Propagation
Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle and plant out during summer. Division in spring is also possible, though it is very difficult due to the deep and extensive root system.
Other Uses
No other uses are known.
References (3)
- Anderson, M.K. USDA, NRCS, National Plant Data Center, c/o Plant Sciences Dept., Davis, California
- http://www.botanic-gardens-ljubljana.com/en/plants
- Jackes, D. A., 2007, Edible Forest Gardens
