Cup Plant, Rosinweed

Silphium perfoliatum

Physical Characteristics

Silphium perfoliatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Ontario to South Dakota, south to Georgia, Missouri and Oklahoma.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Antispasmodic Diaphoretic Emmenagogue Febrifuge Hepatic Pectoral Stimulant Styptic Tonic Women's complaints Cup plant was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[257]. It is little, if at all, used in modern herbalism. A decoction of the root has been used to treat the stoppage of periods, and also to treat morning sickness and to prevent the premature birth of a child[257]. In view of these conflicting uses, it is best that it is not used by pregnant women unless under the guidance of a qualified practitioner[257]. The root is alterative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hepatic, stimulant, styptic and tonic. It is used in the treatment of liver and spleen disorders and has also been used to treat morning sickness[4, 61, 257]. A decoction of the root has been used internally in the treatment of back and chest pain and lung haemorrhages[257]. A decoction of the root has been used as a face wash to treat paralysis[257]. A poultice of the moistened dried root has been applied to wounds to stop the bleeding[257].

Known Hazards

None known