Audubon® Rosin Weed

At four to six feet tall, Rosin Weed is the smallest of the Silphiums, a group of Sunflower lookalikes that includes Compass Plant and Prairie Dock. Nevertheless, it is a substantial plant. This sturdy, hardy Spirit captures the rugged beauty of the tallgrass prairie, where it was once native, and it will lend a touch of wildness to your backyard beds and borders as well. Your local wildlife will appreciate Rosin Weed, too! Monarchs, Swallowtails, and Painted Lady Butterflies will love the nectar in the yellow summer Daisy flowers. In fall and winter, Goldfinches will enjoy the seeds.

Rosin Weed is native to the midsection of our country, from Nebraska to Michigan in the North and Texas to Alabama in the South. An inhabitant of the majestic tallgrass prairie that is mostly gone now, it once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Big Bluestem and other grasses and prairie wildflowers. Rosin Weed was well-adapted to life on the prairie, with deep roots that could delve down 10 or 12 feet. When fire struck, it would simply regenerate itself from the massive rootstock. Drought was no problem, either, once the plant was established.

Rosin Weed gets its name from the sticky substance found inside the stems. Native American kids used to scrape off this rosin and use it as chewing gum. You can try it, too—just don’t expect it to taste like Juicy Fruit! (It tastes more like Pine Tree.

Audubon is devoted to protecting birds and the places they need, while Bower & Branch is devoted to the growth of true native trees and plants–no cultivars or hybrids. Together, we strive to unite communities in conservation and inspire individuals to cultivate a better world for birds starting in their own backyards, balconies, or patios. By guiding and recommending trees and plants truly native and beneficial to your region, we can really start to make a difference.

What is the definition of Native?

“In the United States, a native plant is defined as one that was naturally found in a particular area before European colonization. Native plants are the foundation of a region’s biodiversity, providing essential food sources and shelter for birds, especially those threatened by the changing climate. Since native plants are adapted to local precipitation and soil conditions, they generally require less upkeep, therefore helping the environment and saving you time, water, and money.” – The National Audubon Society

Learn how you can help birds in your home and community through Audubon’s Plants for Birds program.

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