Needing a little yellow in your CRP seed mix? Then cup plant is a great choice. Officially known as Silphium perfoliatum, cup plant comes from the same family as daisies. While daisies are known for their white petals and yellow center, cup plant’s entire flowerhead is a vibrant yellow. Cup plant also grows much taller than daisies, reaching heights of 8 feet.
The most distinct feature of cup plants, however, is their leaves. Cup plant leaves generally grow in pairs on opposite sides of the stem, forming a cup shape that can hold water. Birds can often be seen drinking from the leaves of cup plants.
Cup plant is native to the middle and eastern states of the US. It’s typically found in floodplains, near streams, or across open woodlands. Historically, it’s been used for a number of medical purposes, including the treatment of nausea, liver disorders, chest pain, and more. The Winnebago Tribes used to mix cup plant into a potion they would drink before hunting.
Currently, cup plant is being tested as an energy crop. It’s low demanding yet produces high amounts of biomass. Despite its positive offerings and pleasant appearance, cup plant is considered an invasive species in some states.
Including Cup Plant in CRP
Though people might not want it in their yards, cup plant can be a great addition to CRP pollinator seed mixes. Its vibrant yellow flowers are very popular among pollinators, especially birds that use it as a water source.
If you’re looking to purchase seed mix with cup plant present, All Native Seed has you covered. At All Native Seed, it’s our goal to provide only the highest quality CRP seed. Our seed features the best purity and germination rates available.
Whether you purchase one of our inhouse CRP seed mixes, or you need a quote on a mix developed by NRCS, we can provide the seed that you need. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us here.