Compass Plant
Silphium laciniatum
One of the most remarkable and recognizable prairie species. Compass plant is found throughout the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. In Missouri, it is common to find it in prairies, right of ways, and field edges. This species does best in rich soil, but is a valuable addition to any forage or restoration planting. The “compass” in this plant’s name comes from the tendency of leaves to orient themselves north and south. Plants can be slow to establish, with first year growth tending only to be a single leaf. Flowering may take three or more years, but established plants can live for decades.
- Planting date: Dormant seeding, November – January
- Stratification: 60 days
- Height: 48-96+ inches tall
- Moisture: average
- Sun Exposure: Full
- Planting Rate: 2 pounds per acre in mixes, 15 pounds per acre alone
