Very tall Native American perennial with large yellow sunflower like blooms up to 4 inches (cm) across that grows in a variety of soil types and conditions. Hardy from zones 3-9 will need full sun at cooler end of range and some shade in hotter areas. Not fussy about soil type but it needs to be deeper soil to allow for strong tap roots making it hard to move once established. This also makes it fairly drought tolerant although may lose leaves if drought persists. Will also grow in heavy clay soils that are slightly wet but not in boggy or wet conditions. Growing to 6 feet (1.8m) but as much as 9 feet (2.7m) in ideal conditions its ideal for mow-it-down meadow locations. Easy to grow and needs no care once established. Leaves fuse together around the stem forming a sort of cup structure which gives the plant its name and holds water which is invaluable for small thirsty wildlife. In some areas outside its original range it is considered invasive so check your local state lists before planting.
Seeds can also be started in late fall or early winter by sowing directly where you want the plants to grow. This only works in areas where the winters are below freezing for at least 60 days and seeds are prone to being eaten by rodents or birds. However if you have enough seed its a simple way to achieve moist stratification just ensure that you mark where the seeds were sown and dont accidently pull them up as weeds in the springtime.
Once stratification is complete grow in small pots or large cell trays and move to general seeding location in with warm temperatures and good light. Once seedlings have their first true leaves they can be potted into individual pots and grown on until large enough to move outside after danger of frost is past.
Tough perennial can tolerate most soil types and will even grow on clay soils. While it prefers a well draining loamy soil it will grow on almost any soil that is deep. Does not do well on shallow soils as it cannot establish its tap root. In its native range it can be found in diverse habitats including lake and stream borders, open prairies and dapple forest edges or clearings. While it can tolerate damp soils its not a bog plant and once established is fairly drought tolerant making it ideal for meadows and mow-it-down gardens.
It is a tall plant often growing to 6 feet (1.8m) but in ideal conditions as tall as 9 feet (2.7m). Perfect as a tall meadow plant that can be observed from a distance.
Light. Needs full sun in the colder more northern zones down to about 6a. Warmer zones it is best with some dappled shade like forest edges under trees, forest clearing or northern sides of tall structures. In warm zones ensure it has good airflow to keep it cooler and reduce issues with fungal problems.
Water. Once established needs little water unless in a very dry area or a prolonged drought. If there is regular rainfall it needs little else.
The leaves and stem form an interesting cup like structure that will hold water, often for many days and may be continuous if rainfall is plentiful. This is very beneficial to many smaller wildlife species who can use the little cups to obtain drinking water. Both birds and insects use this source. For many locations this can be a blessing allowing these insects to survive if water is not easily available.
Care should be taken however if planted in wetter environments outside its normal range as water can become constant. This can make it an ideal place for mosquitoes to lay there eggs especially the larger tiger mosquito which needs only about a bottle caps full of water to lay its eggs. While these insects are an important food source for many birds ensuring it is not planted close to homes under these conditions may be prudent.
more recent research has found that both the leaves and roots have good antibacterial properties with the roots being the strongest if used in an alcoholic tincture.