Cup-plant gets its name from the ability of its leaves to actually hold water where they meet the stem. (See the detail photo below).

It is a member of the Silphium genus of tall, deep-rooted and long-lived prairie plants. 

Look for cup-plant along the main trail in Anderson Prairie Park. It starts to bloom in mid-July, but the unique leaves should give this plant away even if it is not in flower.

Mail order outlets and native plant sales often offer this unique prairie plant for prairie gardeners.