Silphium terebinthinaceum is one of those tropical-looking perennials that would be in every plant collector’s garden if it were native to Asia. Unfortunately, it calls the US home, where it grows in prairies from Canada south to Mississippi. Silphium terebinthinaceum forms a 3′ tall x 6′ wide clump of long-stalked, 15″ long x 1′ wide, thick, sandpapery leaves. In mid-August the clumps are topped with 7′ tall leafless stalks of yellow daisies that attract an array of cool insects as well as ruby-throated hummingbirds. When the flowers are finished, any seed that may have set is a goldfinch favorite. Not to be outdone, the foliage is a favorite food of bison, so if you’re looking to attract any that might be roaming near your home for barbeque purposes, planting Silphium terebinthinaceum is a must.
