Roughstem rosinweed
Silphium radula
Last reviewed: August 2026
Roughstem rosinweed (Silphium radula) is a perennial forb native to AR, KS, LA, MO and 3 more states. It blooms in June, July, August, and September. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and beetles. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Roughstem rosinweed (Silphium radula) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–72" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AR, KS, LA, MO and 3 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
A tall, upright perennial forb with rough, sandpaper-textured leaves and bright yellow, sunflower-like flower heads held on branching stems in summer. Develops a deep root system that supports strong drought tolerance once established.
Growing Roughstem rosinweed
Grow Roughstem rosinweed in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Roughstem rosinweed is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, backyard only.
- Tall coarse growth habit may read as weedy to HOA reviewers if not maintained in a defined bed
Wildlife value
Host plant for Silvery checkerspot butterfly.
Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles; the plant serves as a larval host for the silvery checkerspot butterfly, and seed heads feed birds in fall and winter.
Common questions
- How much sun does Roughstem rosinweed need?
- Roughstem rosinweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Roughstem rosinweed bloom?
- Roughstem rosinweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Roughstem rosinweed native?
- Roughstem rosinweed (Silphium radula) is native to AR, KS, LA, MO and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What butterflies or moths does Roughstem rosinweed host?
- Roughstem rosinweed is a larval host plant for Silvery checkerspot butterfly.
- Is Roughstem rosinweed HOA-friendly?
- Roughstem rosinweed is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Roughstem rosinweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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