Silphium laciniatum.
Compass Plant is a perennial wildflower native to the Midwest and portions of the southern United States where it can often be found growing in prairies, glades, and alongside roads and railroad tracks.
Named for the tendency of the plant's leaves to orient themselves on a north-south access, which is said to have helped early American settlers find their way across open prairies.
Plant can grow to a height of 8 feet, produces towering stalks of round yellow flowers that bloom from June through September, and, given the right conditions, can live in excess of 100 years.
Attracts numerous species of pollinators and other beneficial insects, as well as many types of birds, such as finches, which will perch on the sturdiest stems and flowers while they forage for insects.
Typically blooms in the second or third year.
Compass Plant
Growth Chart
Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9 Light Requirement: Full to partial sun Soil Type: Loamy, moist, well-drained Sow Depth: 1/4 inch Plant Spacing: 3 to 4 feet Germination Note: Cold stratification required Stratification Time: 60 days Bloom Time: June through September Growing Tips
Direct sow in late fall on the soil's surface, as the seeds need light to germinate. For spring planting, mix seeds with moist sand and store in refrigerator for 60 days (cold stratification) before direct sowing.
A Note on Cold Stratification
These seeds require cold, moist stratification. To naturally stratify the seeds, plant outdoors late fall on a weed-free site and allow seeds to overwinter.
To artificially stratify the seeds, place the seeds and a moist medium (such as a damp paper towel, coffee filter, sand, or vermiculite) in a labeled, sealed plastic bag and store in a refrigerator (33-40°F) for the amount of time noted on the growth chart before sowing.