When does Silphium perfoliatum bloom?

Silphium perfoliatum typically flowers from July through September, producing clusters of yellow daisy-like blooms atop tall stems.

What pollinators visit Silphium perfoliatum?

Bees, butterflies, and beetles regularly visit the flowers of Silphium perfoliatum for nectar and pollen during its summer bloom period.

How much water does Silphium perfoliatum need?

This plant does best with medium to consistently moist soil and can handle periods of higher moisture, making it a good fit for damp meadows or low areas that stay wet after rain.

How much sun does Silphium perfoliatum require?

Silphium perfoliatum grows best in full sun but can tolerate a bit of part sun, especially where soil moisture is adequate.

What growth habit does Silphium perfoliatum have?

It is an herbaceous forb that dies back to the ground each year, with new growth emerging from the root crown each spring.

Is Indian-gum toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Indian-gum as toxic to livestock.

Is Indian-gum HOA-friendly?

Indian-gum takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Indian-gum

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Silphium perfoliatum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Silphium perfoliatum is a tall summer-blooming forb that flowers from July through September in full sun with medium to consistently moist soil, attracting bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Toxicity unknown

Indian-gum (Silphium perfoliatum) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Indian-gum as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

48"–96" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, IA and 25 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Deer

Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Indian-gum is a tall native wildflower that produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers from summer into fall. This robust perennial can reach 6-8 feet tall and features distinctive leaves that appear to be pierced by the stem. It thrives in full sun with moderate water needs and provides excellent late-season color.

Growing Indian-gum

Grow Indian-gum in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 48 to 96 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Indian-gum 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.

Extremely tall height (6-8 feet) exceeds most HOA guidelines
Can appear wild or weedy to conservative neighbors
Large spread may overwhelm smaller landscaping areas

Wildlife value

This plant is a pollinator powerhouse, attracting bees, butterflies, and beetles with its abundant summer and fall blooms. The seeds also provide food for birds, particularly goldfinches.

Common questions

When does Silphium perfoliatum bloom?: Silphium perfoliatum typically flowers from July through September, producing clusters of yellow daisy-like blooms atop tall stems.
What pollinators visit Silphium perfoliatum?: Bees, butterflies, and beetles regularly visit the flowers of Silphium perfoliatum for nectar and pollen during its summer bloom period.
How much water does Silphium perfoliatum need?: This plant does best with medium to consistently moist soil and can handle periods of higher moisture, making it a good fit for damp meadows or low areas that stay wet after rain.
How much sun does Silphium perfoliatum require?: Silphium perfoliatum grows best in full sun but can tolerate a bit of part sun, especially where soil moisture is adequate.
What growth habit does Silphium perfoliatum have?: It is an herbaceous forb that dies back to the ground each year, with new growth emerging from the root crown each spring.
Is Indian-gum toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Indian-gum as toxic to livestock.
Is Indian-gum HOA-friendly?: Indian-gum takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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