Silphiums perfoliatum 

'Prairie Dock'

Asteraceae/Compositae: an upright perennial to 2.5m. Found in rich woods, thickets, river banks and prairies. Loose clusters of yellow, daisy-like flowers 7-9cm wide, blooming around July-September. Paired, oval leaves joined around the stem, aromatic when bruised. Native to Eastern North America - Ontario to South Dakota, south to Georgia, Missouri and Oklahoma.

USES:

Cup plant was employed medicinally by several native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints. 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 to treat morning sickness and to prevent the premature birth of a child. The root has alterative, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, hepatic, stimulant, styptic and tonic properties.

GROWING INFORMATION:

These seeds germinate rapidly depending on species and origin. If germination does not occur after 3–4 weeks a cooling period of 2–4 weeks is recommended.

Succeeds in any ordinary garden soil. Preferring a deep moisture retentive moderately fertile soil that is not too nitrogen rich, in sun or dappled shade. Hardy to at least -25°C. Plants have a deep and extensive root system which makes transplanting difficult. An aromatic resin exudes from the crushed leaves and stems. Attracts birds and butterflies.

HARVESTED: 2023*

 
APPROX. 40 SEEDS