Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Wildflowers

Compass Plant
Silphium laciniatum

Compass Plant
Compass Plant
 
Features

Yellow, daisy-like flowers and deeply divided foliage whose edges tend to be oriented in a north-south direction, thus the common name.

 
 
Culture
Full sun; moist, well drained soils.  
 
Mature Height
4-10 Feet
 
Native To:
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Michigan
Missouri
Ohio
Wisconsin
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 9 
 
Bloom Color
Yellow
 
 
Bloom Season
July - September
 
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
 
 
Pests and Problems

Environmental Damage


Additional pests and problems that may affect this plant:

No serious insect or disease problems.
 
Additional Notes
Found in prairies. Deeply taprooted, so difficult to move. Listed as threatened in Michigan and endangered in Ohio.