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Compass Plant

Botanical Name
Silphium laciniatum
Min Zone
3
Max Zone
9
Height
5 to 10 feet
Width
18 to 36 inches
Flowers
Summer: yellow, resembling sunflower
Light
Full sun
Soil
Average, well-drained
Planting & Care
  • Tolerates poor soils
  • Large taproot - up to 15' - is slow growing, taking the plant a couple of years to establish
  • May not flower until the 2nd or 3rd year
  • Common name is derived from the fact that the large, deeply divided leaves tend to be oriented in a North-South direction
  • Very drought tolerant
  • Numerous birds and mammals seek out the seeds
  • Attracts native bees and butterflies

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