What’s in Bloom: Scavenger Hunt for August 2026

Have you seen me in the Park?

Hi, I’m Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum)!

I’m a beautiful sunflower-like Missouri native that occurs throughout the state in open, low woods, thickets, wet meadows and prairies, stream/pond borders, and along railroad tracks in full sun. Typically grows 4-8 feet tall on tough erect stems and is easily distinguished by its square stems and pairs of cup forming leaves.  Flower heads are typically 3 inches in diameter, featuring light yellow rays and darker yellow center disks that bloom in the summer from July to September.  A large plant that needs lots of space and can be somewhat aggressive in the landscape.

Can you spot me in Tower Grove Park?

Clues to Find Me:

  1. I bloom in summer from July to September, in open, low woods, thickets, wet meadows, prairies, and stream/pond borders, with sunflower-like flowers.

  2. Look closely at my blooms—my flower heads are typically 3 inches in diameter, featuring light yellow rays and darker yellow center disks.

  3. I like to stretch out and need lots of space and can be somewhat aggressive in the landscape.

Challenge: Snap a photo, share it on Instagram, and tag us @TowerGrovePark using #TGPinBloomHunt!

Have fun getting creative with your photos—just remember, don’t pick the flowers!

Jenelle Ellis