Compass Plant

Compass Plant Silphium laciniatum Full sun, moderately wet to dry moisture level, prefers a deep loamy soil for its taproot but is adaptable to a wide range of soils including clay, adaptable to a range of pH.  5-9 feet height, blooms summer into fall, yellow flowers. Germination Code:  C(60) Native Region:  Only occurs in 4 counties – Haywood, Carroll, Henry and Montgomery Designated a “Threatened Species” in Tennessee.  Easy-to-grow plant that is tall, sturdy, rough, and bristly.  Common name comes from the fact that the basal leaves usually orient themselves in a north-south direction in order to minimize intense overhead sun exposure.  Slow to establish and may not flower until second or third year.  Excellent for naturalizing.  Has a large, woody taproot that may go down 15 feet, so division is not possible.  Attracts birds, butterflies and bees. flower;sun;wet;clay flower;sun;wet;loam flower;sun;wet;sand flower;sun;medium;clay flower;sun;medium;loam flower;sun;medium;sand flower;sun;dry;clay flower;sun;dry;loam flower;sun;dry;sand

Photo Courtesy of John Hilty http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/ Photo Courtesy of Prairie Moon Nursery http://www.prairiemoon.com/ Photo Courtesy of John Hilty http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/ Photo Courtesy of Prairie Moon Nursery http://www.prairiemoon.com/ Photo Courtesy of Prairie Moon Nursery http://www.prairiemoon.com/ Photo Courtesy of Prairie Moon Nursery http://www.prairiemoon.com/ Photo Courtesy of John Hilty http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/ Photo Courtesy of Prairie Moon Nursery http://www.prairiemoon.com/