Basal-leaf Rosinweed
Silphium terebinthinaceum
Last reviewed: July 2026
Silphium terebinthinaceum is a tall prairie perennial native to the eastern and midwestern United States. This rosinweed blooms with bright yellow flowers from June through August, attracting bees and butterflies.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, GA, IA and 14 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Basal-leaf rosinweed is a tall native perennial that forms a clump of large leaves at ground level with bright yellow sunflower-like blooms on tall stems in summer. The flowers are showy and long-lasting, making it an excellent choice for the back of perennial borders. It takes a few years to establish but becomes very drought tolerant once mature.
Growing Basal-leaf Rosinweed
Grow Basal-leaf Rosinweed in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Basal-leaf Rosinweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very tall height may violate typical HOA height restrictions
- Can look sparse or weedy in first year of establishment
- Large basal leaves may appear too informal for front yard settings
Wildlife value
Host plant for American lady butterfly.
The bright yellow flowers attract numerous bees, butterflies, and beetles during the long summer bloom period. Seeds provide food for goldfinches and other birds in fall.
Common questions
- Where is Silphium terebinthinaceum native?
- Basal-leaf Rosinweed is native to much of the eastern and midwestern United States, including states from Alabama north to Michigan and from Nebraska east to New York.
- When does Silphium terebinthinaceum bloom?
- This prairie wildflower typically blooms from June through August, producing clusters of bright yellow composite flowers.
- What pollinators visit Basal-leaf Rosinweed?
- The flowers attract a variety of pollinators including native bees, butterflies, and beetles, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations.
- How tall does Silphium terebinthinaceum grow?
- This robust prairie forb can reach heights of 4 to 10 feet, with most of its large leaves forming a basal rosette at ground level.
- Is Basal-leaf Rosinweed HOA-friendly?
- Basal-leaf Rosinweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Basal-leaf Rosinweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz