ROSINWEED SEEDS

Silphium integrifolium

Closely related to the Compass Plant, and as an ethnobotanical utilized in much the same way: plants exude an aromatic resin (rosin is a resin that requires no solvent) that was traditionally used as a chewing gum. Tea was brewed from the sweet resinous leaves and decoction of the root used as a vermifuge for horses. Even more often it is listed as a magical plant, with the dried roots being burned for the purposes of protection. If you grow plants for ritual use, this would be a good choice.

This species of Silphium is the most easily incorporated into typical garden culture, having a shorter stature and earlier maturity than any other in the genus. It is a hardy perennial that typically grows to just 3’-5' in bloom and attracts innumerable native pollinators. It is adaptable to most soils, but is especially easy in deep Midwestern loess soils where its long roots are unimpeded.

Seeds require stratification to germinate. They may be sown where they are to grow in late autumn through winter, or tucked just beneath the surface of moist soil in deep pots kept in a sheltered location, like a cold barn or screened porch, to overwinter. Seeds begin to germinate in early spring and the seedlings started in pots should be plucked out as soon as possible and transplanted into the garden. Expect only foliage in the first year, but a big flush of flowers in the second and subsequent years. Self-sows where it is happy and the seedlings should be culled or transplanted promptly to where they are wanted as established plants can be difficult to remove.

Packet contains at least 50 seeds.