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Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Compass Plant

Silphium laciniatum
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Prairie
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Yellow
Fall Color:

USDA PLANTS Range Map

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Compass Plant by Mervin Wallace
Photo: Mervin Wallace. Scroll to see more photos of this plant.
Sun Exposure 
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Nectar, Food/Birds
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

48 to
108
inches

Spread:

12 to
36
inches
Size
Height: 48 to
108
inches
Spread: 12 to
36
inches
Size
Height: 48 to
108
inches
Spread: 12 to
36
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Use in perennial borders, native gardens, prairies and wildflower meadows.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grows easily in full sun in dry to moderate soil. Tolerates drought and poor soil. Give plenty of room to grow.
Special Features
Special Usage
Fresh Cut Flower
Basic Description

A tall, sturdy plant with large, finely lobed basal leaves up to 24 inches in length. Large, yellow sunflower-like flower heads bloom in loose spikes in summer on stiff stems to 108 inches (9 feet) tall. This plant adds form and texture to the landscape.

Compass Plant flower. Photo by Erica Ballard.

 

Compass Plant foliage in fall. Photo by Frank Oberle.

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