Family: Asteraceae
Author: Jacq.
Bibliography: Hort. Bot. Vindob. 1: 16 (t. 43) (1770)
Year: 1770
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Silphium
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to U.S.A.
Description
Basal-leaf rosinweed, scientifically known as Silphium terebinthinaceum, is a notable member of the Asteraceae family. This intriguing plant, first documented in the esteemed Hortus Botanicus Vindobonensis (Volume 1, page 16, plate 43) in 1770 by Jacq., stands out among the North American flora.
Native to regions spanning southeastern Canada to the United States, basal-leaf rosinweed thrives across diverse landscapes. This hardy perennial is distinguished by its robust basal leaves, which form a lush rosette at the plant’s base. The leaves are typically large, coarse, and exhibit a deep green hue, providing a striking contrast to the plant’s towering flower stalks.
As the growing season progresses, the tall, slender stems of Silphium terebinthinaceum rise from the formidable foliage, crowned with clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers. These blossoms, rich in nectar, are immensely attractive to pollinators, playing a vital role in the local ecosystem by supporting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
The common name, rosinweed, hints at the resinous substance the plant exudes. This resin was historically noted for its unique properties and was utilized by indigenous peoples for various purposes.
Basal-leaf rosinweed is not only a botanical marvel due to its striking appearance and ecological contributions, but it also holds a place in historical botanical literature, offering insight into the rich tapestry of North American plant life as observed and recorded over centuries.
This plant, with its combination of aesthetic appeal and environmental significance, continues to capture the interest of botanists, horticulturists, and nature enthusiasts alike.
Common Names
Eng: basal-leaf rosinweed, dock-rosinweed, prairie rosinweed, prairie-dock, prairie dock
Deu: harzige becherpflanze
Swe: spirsolört
Fra: silphe térébenthine
En: Basal-leaf rosinweed, Dock-rosinweed, Prairie-dock, Prairie rosinweed, Prairie dock
Fr: Silphe térébenthine
De: Harzige Becherpflanze
Sv: Spirsolört
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Aug 17, 2019 by Madison Irwin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2022 by Sébastien Moirat (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Jennifer MacDonald (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Jennifer MacDonald (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 20, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 16, 2013 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 2, 2015 by EOL − smwhite (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 8, 2014 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 7, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2022 by Margaret Prendergast (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 2, 2007 by EOL − Ron Thomas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2020 by Life Life Planner (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Schofield Leo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2022 by ryan norton (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 9, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 1, 2021 by Kat Dunn (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2022 by J Dycus (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 8, 2021 by Syl Syl (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2020 by hippopotropolis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2020 by hippopotropolis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 18, 2020 by hippopotropolis (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 18, 2020 by hippopotropolis (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7475866)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30257140-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Silphium terebinthinaceum Jacq.)