Silphium integrifolium, commonly known as Rosinweed, is a native perennial wildflower found in prairies, savannas, and open fields throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun and well-drained to moderately dry soils, making it well-suited for dry prairie gardens, restoration projects, and pollinator plantings.
This upright, clump-forming plant typically grows 3 to 5 feet tall and features stiff, square stems with opposite, lance-shaped leaves that often clasp the stem. From mid to late summer, it produces sunflower-like yellow blooms held in loose clusters at the top of the plant. The flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Silphium integrifolium is a bold, resilient species that offers ecological value and seasonal color. It is named "rosinweed" because of the sticky, resinous substance exuded by the stems when broken. It pairs well with other tallgrass prairie natives such as Compass Plant, Rattlesnake Master, and Little Bluestem, contributing structure and pollinator support to diverse native landscapes.
Silphium integrifolium, commonly known as Rosinweed, is a native perennial wildflower found in prairies, savannas, and open fields throughout Illinois. It thrives in full sun and well-drained to moderately dry soils, making it well-suited for dry prairie gardens, restoration projects, and pollinator plantings.
This upright, clump-forming plant typically grows 3 to 5 feet tall and features stiff, square stems with opposite, lance-shaped leaves that often clasp the stem. From mid to late summer, it produces sunflower-like yellow blooms held in loose clusters at the top of the plant. The flowers are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Silphium integrifolium is a bold, resilient species that offers ecological value and seasonal color. It is named "rosinweed" because of the sticky, resinous substance exuded by the stems when broken. It pairs well with other tallgrass prairie natives such as Compass Plant, Rattlesnake Master, and Little Bluestem, contributing structure and pollinator support to diverse native landscapes.
Bloom: mid-summer to fall
Habitats: areas along railroads (particularly where prairie remnants occur); clay prairies; gravel prairies; hill prairies; limestone glades; mesic to dry black soil prairies; openings in rocky upland forests
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic to dry
Plant type (height): forb (3 to 5 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: clay-loam; loam; some gravel
