Silphium integrifolium

Silphium integrifolium, commonly known as American silphium or prairie silphium, is a perennial herb native to the central and southern United States, extending into parts of Canada. This plant thrives in full sun with varying soil conditions, from light sandy to heavy clay, though it prefers dry to moist environments. Found across states like Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin, Silphium integrifolium is notable for its edible parts and ornamental value. One distinctive feature of this plant is its height, reaching up to 1.8 meters, making it a prominent presence in prairies and open fields.