Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)
The Compass Plant is a towering, sunflower-like native perennial, reaching heights of up to 12 feet. Its sturdy stalks often serve as perches for prairie songbirds like goldfinches; but what really sets this plant apart is its root system, which can plunge more than 15 feet into the soil. This deep anchoring makes it one of the most drought-resistant prairie species and a powerful stabilizer in fragile ecosystems.
Scattered along the upper half of its stout, sticky stem are bright yellow flowers, each spanning two to five inches across. These blooms attract a variety of pollinators. At the base, the plant bears deeply cut, hairy leaves that can stretch up to two feet long. These basal leaves are often oriented in a north-south direction—a trait that inspired the plant’s common name. Higher up the stem, the leaves become smaller and more sparsely arranged.
Compass Plant thrives in full sun and prefers dry to moderately moist, well-drained soils. It is most commonly found in tallgrass prairies, where its resilience and stature make it a keystone species in restoration efforts.
(SF)