it really does hold water

the wraparound leaf of the cup plant looks like a little bird bath, and in fact, it acts as one. birds and bees both use the plant as a reservoir to drink from, and the the cup can hold water for days after it has rained–as i found out when i cut this eight foot specimen down and promptly received a complimentary and mildly refreshing summer shower.

cup plant in bloom (Silphium perfoliatum)