Rosin Weed (Silphium integrifolium)

from $3.00

Rosin Weed attracts many native bees with its nectar and pollen. It is also a host plant to 6 species of butterflies and moths and 10 different specialist bees (Johnson and Colla, 2023). It is possibly beneficial for the threatened Two-spotted Eucoma and Giant Eucosma (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). However, due to loss of habitat, its status is listed as endangered in Michigan (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). Ironically, this plant can be aggressive and can overwhelm small gardens in optimal conditions, so choose your planting space wisely.

Photo credit: Frank Mayfield

Size:

Rosin Weed attracts many native bees with its nectar and pollen. It is also a host plant to 6 species of butterflies and moths and 10 different specialist bees (Johnson and Colla, 2023). It is possibly beneficial for the threatened Two-spotted Eucoma and Giant Eucosma (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). However, due to loss of habitat, its status is listed as endangered in Michigan (mnfi.anr.msu.edu). Ironically, this plant can be aggressive and can overwhelm small gardens in optimal conditions, so choose your planting space wisely.

Photo credit: Frank Mayfield

Life Cycle: Perennial

Sun Exposure: Full

Soil Moisture: Medium-Wet, Medium, Medium-Dry, Dry

Height: 5 feet

Plant Spacing: 2-4 feet

Bloom Time: July-September

Bloom Color: Yellow

Advantages: Bird Favorite, Pollinator Favorite, Deer Resistant

Host Plant: 6 species of butterflies and moths in our area (Johnson and Colla, 2023)

Specialist Bee: Andrena aliciae, Pseudopanurgus labrosiformis, P. rugosus, Dieunomia heteropoda, Melissodes coloradensis, M. illatus, M. vernoniae, M. wheeleri, Paranthidium jugatorium, Megachile inimica (Johnson and Colla, 2023)

Species of Concern: State Status: Threatened (legally protected). State Rank: Imperiled (mnfi.anr.msu.edu)

Beneficial for Endangered or Threatened Species: Possibly Two-spotted Eucosma (Eucosma bipunctella) (mnfi.anr.msu.edu), Possibly Giant eucosma moth (Eucosma giganteana) (mnfi.anr.msu.edu)

Resource: Johnson, Lorraine, and Sheila Colla. A Northern Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants and Pollinators: Creating Habitat in the Northeast, Great Lakes, and Upper Midwest. Island Press, 2023

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