Silphium laciniatum
Compass plant
This plant is a taprooted perennial herb producing rough-haired stems usually one to three meters tall. The stem head contains up to 38 yellow ray florets and many yellow disc florets. The leaves usually orient themselves on a north-south axis so as to minimize intense overhead sun exposure, thus giving rise to the common name. It is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates poor soils.
Contributed by @mr_plantgeek
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Full sun to partial shade
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Very little water
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Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)
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Moist and free draining
Common name
Compass plant
Latin name
Silphium laciniatum
type
Herbaceous Perennials
family
Asteraceae
ph
5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral
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Light
Full sun to partial shade
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Frost
Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)
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Soil
Moist and free draining
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Water
Very little water
Plant & bloom calendar
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Best time to plant
full grown dimensions
1.00 M
2.50 M
Silphium laciniatum
This plant is a taprooted perennial herb producing rough-haired stems usually one to three meters tall. The stem head contains up to 38 yellow ray florets and many yellow disc florets. The leaves usually orient themselves on a north-south axis so as to minimize intense overhead sun exposure, thus giving rise to the common name. It is easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates poor soils.
Planting young plants
From Early Spring TO Early Spring
Plant out at the back of the border in full sun, in a moist but well drained soil. Dig in plenty of well rotted compost before planting. It is best planted in groups and not individually, so that the flower stalks can fall over some when planted by itself. Otherwise, plant close to a trellis where the plants can be tied as they grow taller, to provide support to the flowering stems.
laketitlow
mr_plantgeek