Quick answer: Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) is native to 17 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Where it's native
Listed in the register as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry-Wet, high drought tolerance |
| Soil | Wet to mesic soils, tolerates clay |
| Bloom | Bloom Jul-Sep |
| Height | 3-6 ft, up to 10 ft |
| Wildlife value | Attracts birds for seed, nectar for butterflies/hummingbirds, special value to native/bumble/honey bees |
Invasive / regulated
none noted formally; aggressive self-seeding noted (unstoppable urge to reproduce, pops up everywhere)
Buying it
Wild species
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
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