Rosin Weed

Description

Silphium integrifolium, commonly called rosinweed or wholeleaf rosinweed, is a native perennial forb (wildflower) that grows in prairies, glades, railroad right-of-ways, and roadsides in the Midwest and portions of the southern United States.

The pollen and nectar of the flowers attract long-tongued bees primarily, including honeybees, bumblebees, Little Carpenter bees, Epeoline Cuckoo bees, Miner bees, and large Leaf-Cutting bees. Insects rarely attack this plant, although the Silphium Beetle may feed on the flowers and seeds, and the caterpillars of the rare Tabenna silphiella (Silphium Moth) eat the epidermis of the leaves. The larvae of a Gall Wasp may feed within the stems, forming galls that are invisible from the outside. They attract the hyperparasitic wasp Eurytoma lutea, whose larvae feed on the larvae of the Gall Wasp. Some butterflies occasionally visit the flowers, including Sulfurs and Painted Ladies. Other visitors include short-tongued bees and various flies. The seeds are eaten occasionally by Goldfinches. Small herbivores, such as rabbits, are less likely to eat this plant because of its height and the coarseness of its leaves.

Cattle, readily consume the foliage, stems, and flowers.

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates some light shade. Also tolerates some drought once established. Will grow in a variety of soils including sandy, loamy or clay ones. Plants may be slow to establish in the garden, particularly when grown from seed. Plants often self-seed in optimum growing conditions. Best planted in groups where it can naturalize. Adapts well to prairies, wildflower/native plant gardens, naturalized areas, meadows or moist, open woodland areas.

Habitats include mesic to dry black soil prairies, gravel prairies, clay prairies, hill prairies, openings in rocky upland forests, limestone glades, and areas along railroads, particularly where prairie remnants occur. This plant can survive significant degradation and recovers readily from occasional wildfires. It competes well against most prairie grasses and forbs in mesic to dry areas.

Watch videos about this plant:

Silphiums for Wildlife

Grazing Silphiums