Compass Plant

Silphium laciniatum

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum) is a structural plant with yellow flowers that bloom mid-summer. They prefer mesic to dry soil in full sun where they can grow to a narrow and airy 12 feet tall. When planted in moist, fertile soil, they tend to flop, so they’re best suited for drier banks. Companion plants include Royal Catchfly (Silene regia) and Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis).

Maintenance

Plants may need staking once blooming begins.

About

Light Requirements
Sun
Moisture Requirements
Banks
Soil Requirements
Clay, Most Soils
Height
Tall, Very Tall
Spacing
2 to 3 feet
Category
Seasonal, Structural
Attracts
Bees, Butterflies
Illinois Native Plant Status
Illinois Native, Indiana Native
Bloom Time
July, August, September
Bloom Color
Yellow
Seasonality
Fall, Summer, Winter
Sociability
Groups of 5-10