Compass Plant

Silphium laciniatum

From a basal rosette of very large, deeply lobed leaves come tall, hairy stalks with large buds producing yellow flowers about 4 inches across. A true prairie survivor, its taproot may go down 15 feet, enabling it to endure droughts or prairie fires; some plants are said to live 100 years or more.

4-12 feet, sun.

Summer (July-September).

The bristly white hairs on the stem and large buds are visible in this photo.  

6 July 2020.

Compass Plant, 14 July 2020.