August 2011

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Native plants provide beauty as well as food and shelter for wildlife. Native species are adapted to the Illinois climate. They require little or no watering and are resistant to drought, insects and most diseases. Because they are perennials, you can welcome their presence year after year. Consider adding a few native plant species to your garden soon!

cup-plant ( Silphium perfoliatum )

Photo © 2010, Valerie Keener, Illinois Department of Natural Resources

Photo rights available for purchase.

Cup-plant is found throughout Illinois growing in moist areas along streams and in other moist soils. It flowers from July through October, and the yellow flowers are produced on single stems at the top of the plant. Cup-plant can grow to a height of eight feet. The leaves are large and coarsely toothed. The leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem, and the bases of these opposite leaves join around the stem to form a cup. Water does collect in the cup, and birds often drink from it.

For more information about native Illinois plants, including where to purchase them and planting guides, the following publications are available through the order form at http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/publications.

Prairie Establishment and Landscaping

Landscaping for Wildlife

Butterfly Gardens