Quick answer: Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) is native to 27 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: JackyM59, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory 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 |
none noted formally; aggressive self-seeding noted (unstoppable urge to reproduce, pops up everywhere)
Buying it
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
See where to buy →Quick answers about Cup plant
Where is Cup plant native?
Cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum) is native to 27 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Cup plant bloom?
Cup plant blooms Jul-Sep. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Cup plant need?
Light: Sun. Water: Dry-Wet, high drought tolerance. Soil: Wet to mesic soils, tolerates clay. Mature height: 3-6 ft, up to 10 ft.
Is Cup plant good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Attracts birds for seed, nectar for butterflies/hummingbirds, special value to native/bumble/honey bees.
Is Cup plant deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Cup plant is drought-tolerant and handles wet soil.
Where can I buy real Cup plant seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Silphium perfoliatum on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Cup plant.
- Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica
- Foxglove beardtongue Penstemon digitalis
- Common ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius
- Steeplebush Spiraea tomentosa
- Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa
- Common elderberry Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.