— Short, snippet-friendly answers to the most-asked questions about Silphium laeve (Silphium laeve). For the full profile with citations, open the main page.
Silphium laeve, commonly known as smooth silphium, is a perennial herb native to the central and western United States and parts of Canada. Silphium laeve (Latin: Silphium laeve, family Asteraceae) is an edible plant catalogued in PlantSage.
Silphium laeve is generally regarded as safe for culinary use when correctly identified and prepared. Avoid wild specimens from polluted ground and confirm species before harvest.
Silphium laeve is a member of the Asteraceae family native to ARK, IOW, KAN, MSO, NEB, and NWM. Silphium laeve thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Silphium laeve grows best in USDA zone 4-8, full sun, partial sun/shade light, moist water, and perennial life cycle. Detailed sowing, propagation, and care notes are on the full profile.
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