Cup plant makes an unmistakable presence in large rain gardens & moist meadow plantings. It is exceptional for wildlife, especially goldfinches and other birds that eat cup plant seeds. The leaves form "cups" on the stem; these cups will hold water from which birds will drink. In large stands of cup plant, birds will take refuge from the sun and heat by hiding in the foliage. Another common name is "square stem" and, appropriately, the stem is indeed square.
Uses: Birds, pollinators, rain gardens, bees, butterflies
Bloom time: July - September
Height: 6 to 8 feet
Space: 2 to 3 feet
Light: Full sun to light shade
Moisture: Average to moist
Seed: Harvest September/October. Six to eight weeks of cold-moist stratification will help germination--sow seed November - January. The following seeding rates should yield about 10 seeds per square foot.
- 1/8 ounce per packet
- 1,400 seeds per ounce
- 1 ounce per 140 square feet
