Silphium laciniatum

42.14105988, -87.7878952

42.14105988, -87.78788757

42.14138794, -87.78883362

42.14143372, -87.78899384

42.14261246, -87.78713226

42.14294815, -87.78515625

42.14440918, -87.78640747

42.14812088, -87.79166412

42.14819717, -87.79157257

42.14923096, -87.78624725

Compass Plant

A native of the tallgrass prairie, Compass Plant is an extraordinary perennial that grows 6 to 12 feet tall. Between July and August it produces yellow 3 to 4-inch-tall flowers resembling sunflowers – mature plants can have up to 30 flowers. It is supported by a large central taproot that can grow 15 feet below the ground. Compass Plants prefer full sun and loamy soil and can take several years to reach maturity; once they do, they are extremely long-lived, often reaching 100 years old. Pioneers named it the Compass Plant because its long, deeply lobed leaves point in a north-south direction.

Soil:
Moderate
Plant Shape:
Upright
Exposure:
Full Sun
Bloom Time:
July - August
September - October
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Landscape Use:
Bedding or Border
Wildlife Interest:
Attracts Butterflies
Plant Type:
Perennial
Hardiness Zone:
3 - 7