Silphium laciniatum 'Compass Plant'

Silphium laciniatum, commonly known as Compass Plant is a native, perennial plant found in the prairies and savannas of North America. It is characterized by its tall, upright growth habit. Reaching up to 7 feet!  It's large, yellow composite flowers that resemble daisies grow as several clusters along the tall stem. The leaves of Silphium laciniatum are large getting up to 20", are deeply lobed, and have a bright green color. They are arranged alternately along the stem and have a rough, hairy texture. The large, lobed leaves and tall stature of Silphium laciniatum also make it an important component of prairie and savanna ecosystems, providing food and habitat for a variety of species. In terms of habitat, Silphium laciniatum is well-adapted to a variety of soil and moisture conditions and can be found in both dry and moist soils. It is also tolerant of drought and can grow in full sun to partial shade. The root system of Silphium laciniatum can be quite deep, typically reaching seve