Prairie Rosinweed

Silphium terebinthinaceum

Also known as: prairie rosinweed

Prairie Rosinweed

Frank Mayfield from Chicago area, USA

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Asteraceae
Genus:
Silphium
Species:
Silphium terebinthinaceum

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
8-12 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jul, aug, sep
Bloom Colors:
Yellow

Native Range

United States: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Canada: Ontario

Keystone Species Ranking

Bee Keystone:
★★★★☆ Based on number of native bee species using this genus for pollen and nectar (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

silphius borer moth (Papaipema silphii)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), American bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Brown-belted bumble bee (Bombus griseocollis), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open prairies and savannas

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for 150 days or planted in the fall. If unable to plant in the fall due to weather, store the seed dry in cold storage at 34-36 degrees F.

Establishment: The plant is found in prairies throughout the eastern and Midwestern United States, but does not occur west of Iowa. Seed is collected by hand from nursery stock. The plant flowers from approx. July 13 to August 25. Seed is harvested about Sept. 9.

Source: npn.rngr.net