Compass Plant

Botanical Name

Silphium laciniatum

Min Zone

Max Zone

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 2^nd or 3^rd 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