Silphium laciniatum (Compass Plant)

$ 16.98

Size

Comment: Small. Lightly rooted.

Only 7 left in stock.

Compass Plant is a tall, coarse, slow-growing and long-lived perennial. It has deeply cut, hairy leaves that usually orient themselves north and south. It features eye-catching sunflower-like flowers in the summer. Flowers bloom in loose spikes on the upper parts of the plant. The hardened sap of this plant can be chewed like gum. 

Compass Plant has a large, woody taproot. It is slow to establish and may not flower until the second or third year. It is native to Blackland Prairie regions and often grows with Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii).  

Compass Plant provides height for the rear of the border. It is also excellent for naturalizing in prairies, cottage gardens, wildflower gardens or native plant gardens. 

Small mammals and birds eat the seeds. It also provides a sturdy perch for prairie songbirds. Long-tongued bees, including bumblebees, miner bees, large leaf-cutting bees and others, are the primary pollinators of its flowers. 


AT A GLANCE

Texas native Yes
Water use Low
Sun exposure Full sun
Bloom color Yellow
Bloom time Summer
Mature height 4-10 ft
Mature width 1.5-3 ft
Attracts Butterflies, birds, bees
Notes Native and Bumble bee friendly. 

DISTRIBUTION MAPS 

USDA MAP

BONAP MAP

 Present in state
 Present in county and native
 Native to North America, but adventive & escaped in state         
 Not present in state
 Present and rare, native in county
 Previously present, now extinct
 Questionable presence (cross-hatched, regardless of color)