Silphium terebinthinaceum - PRAIRIE DOCK

Great structural perennial and typical plant of tall prairies - prairie dock has extra large leaves, nearly leafless, 10’ tall flower stems with bright yellow, sunflower-like flowers in late summer/early fall. 

It's strong stems are held well above big, coarse clumps of basal, very large 2’ long, sand paper textured leaves.

Prairie dock occurs naturally in limey soils of woodland borders and old fields from central Canada down through central and southeastern United States.

Grows well in full sun or mostly sun spot, in average soils,  dry to moderate dry soil (tolerates clayish, rocky or poor soils).

Very long living and tough perennial, but a bit slow to establish at the beginning. Rabbit and deer resistant, hardy in zones 4 to 8.

Attracts variety of long-tongued native bees, honey bees, some butterflies, host plant for larvae of several wasps. Finches love the seeds.

Famous landscape architects just couldn't resist and had to start using this magnificent perennial. Great in combinations are with Asclepias tuberosa, Asclepias verticillata, Echinacea, Ratibida, Rudbeckia,  taller grasses like Panicum, Andropogon gerardii and many others.

For flower borders, prairies, cottage gardens, wildflower gardens or pollinator gardens.

Pot Size : square 3.5" x 5" deep pot