Silphium laciniatum - COMPASS PLANT

Robust native wildflower and long-lived perennial with large ornamental leaves, great for birds and pollinators.

Flowering stems can reach 9', while the deeply cut leaves stay at the base clump about 2-3' wide. Basal coarse leafs can be up to 24" long and 12" wide, and they usually orient themselves on a north-south axis (to minimize intense overhead sun exposure, thus the name compass plant).

Yellow 5" wide flowers appear in June/July to September, but the peak of bloom is in the first half of the season.

Full sun, any soil with medium-moist, average moisture (medium), dry. The tap root can go up to 20' deep.

Hardy in zones 3 to 9, icon of tall prairies, native to southern, central part of USA and part of Midwest, see the USDA distribution map.

Absolotelly deer and rabbit resistant, excellent support for pollinators - the main pollinators are primary long-tongued bees (bumblebees, Miner bees, large Leaf-Cutting bees, and others), a bit less then short-tongued bees (Halictine bees, Syrphid flies) and occasionally Sulfur butterflies and Monarchs visit the flowers searching for nectar. Seed will feed small birds.

Slower grower, but very long lived, highly recommended for medium to large gardens, may self-seed and naturalize. Best for naturalistic plantings, prairie plantings, pollinator gardens, native plants gardens or to naturalize in meadows.

Pictures copyright : US Perennials nursery

pot size : square 3.5" x 5" deep pot