Whole-leaf rosinweed (Silphium integrifolium, Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 146 (1803))

Family: Asteraceae

Author: Michx.

Bibliography: Fl. Bor.-Amer. 2: 146 (1803)

Year: 1803

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Silphium

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Canada to N., C. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Whole-leaf Rosinweed, scientifically known as Silphium integrifolium, is a notable species within the Asteraceae family. This resilient and vibrant plant was first described in the early 19th century, with its initial identification documented in Flora Boreali-Americana by Michaux in 1803.

Silphium integrifolium is native to a broad geographical range, stretching from southeastern Canada down to the northern, central, and eastern regions of the United States. This widespread distribution suggests that the Whole-leaf Rosinweed is well-adapted to various climatic and soil conditions, making it a versatile and hardy species within its native habitats.

This perennial plant is easily recognizable by its robust, upright stems and its broad, lanceolate leaves that can vary in size. The leaves are typically characterized by a rough, sandpaper-like texture, contributing to their durability and aiding in the plant’s ability to thrive in diverse environments. The bright yellow flowers of Silphium integrifolium, arranged in composite heads like many members of the Asteraceae family, attract a wide array of pollinators including bees and butterflies, thus playing a significant role in their native ecosystems.

Whole-leaf Rosinweed not only contributes to the ecological landscape but also possesses a historical significance. Indigenous peoples and early settlers often utilized different parts of Silphium plants for various medicinal purposes and other utilitarian uses, highlighting its importance beyond mere ornamentation.

In garden and restoration projects today, Silphium integrifolium is selected for its resilience, ability to thrive in poor soils, and its attractiveness to pollinators. Its deep-rooted system also helps in soil stabilization and erosion control, making it a valuable component of ecological restoration efforts.

In summary, the Whole-leaf Rosinweed is more than just a visually striking plant; it is a species deeply integrated into its native habitats, offering ecological, historical, and practical benefits. The early documentation by Michaux underscores its long-standing recognition and the continuous appreciation of its place within the rich tapestry of North American flora.

Common Names

Eng: rosinweed, whole-leaf rosinweed, wholeleaf rosinweed, whole-leaved rosinweed
Swe: solört
Deu: ungeschlitzte becherpflanze
Fra: silphe à feuilles entières
En: Whole-leaf rosinweed, Rosinweed, Wholeleaf rosinweed, Whole-leaved rosinweed
Fr: Silphe à feuilles entières
De: Ungeschlitzte Becherpflanze
Sv: Solört

Synonyms

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 14, 2015 by EOL − Seth Hendriks (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 14, 2015 by EOL − Seth Hendriks (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 13, 2022 by Clover hill farm (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Gisela Liesner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2014 by EOL − caseyzill (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 16, 2014 by EOL − Matt Flower (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Sep 11, 2015 by karen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by Evanson Minjire (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2020 by Noor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by rejeane ouellet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Jul 3, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Muriel Studer (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 7, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by EOL − Corey Lange (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 14, 2015 by EOL − Aarongunnar (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 14, 2015 by EOL − Seth Hendriks (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 13, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3092564)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30072268-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Silphium integrifolium Michx.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth