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
Yes Bloom Time
July,
August,
September Bloom Color
Yellow Seasonality
Fall,
Summer,
Winter Sociability
Groups of 5-10