Silphium asteriscus var. trifoliatum (Whorled Rosinweed)

Silphium asteriscus var. trifoliatum, known as the whorled rosinweed, is an upright summer flowering perennial that adds height, texture, and brightness to the landscape and wild plantings. Growing in prairies and meadows, dappled woodlands, rocky outcrops and savannas, whorled rosinweed is a showy, versatile and resilient species.

This rosinweed shoots up purple-stemmed stalks with whorled leaves in May and June, reaching between 3-8 feet in height. Large gold-yellow sunflower-like blossoms begin midsummer and continue into fall, attracting solitary bees, bumblebees and carpenter bees, among other pollinating insects. The large, flat seeds are enjoyed by birds such as goldfinches.

Silphiums are tough as nails, with roots that descend deep into the soil, sometimes yards down. They need a well draining soil, and are tolerant of drought once established. Deer don't prefer to browse on them due to their rough-textured and tough leaves.

Our plants are propagated from wild populations in Hanover County, Virginia.