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compass plant

Silphium laciniatum

The compass plant is a tall, bright yellow flower that grows in prairies. Its leaves point north and south, helping people find their way in nature!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The compass plant is a tall, coarse-textured prairie perennial with robust stems and large, deeply lobed leaves. It produces striking yellow, daisy-like flower heads up to 10 cm across, often found solitary or in small clusters at the top of its sturdy stalks.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusSilphium
compass plant
flowering trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgegrassland trait badgepollinator_magnet trait badge
compass plant

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Even after a prairie fire, compass plants often sprout back quickly, thanks to their deep roots that survive underground!

It's a 'living fossil' of the ancient prairies, often growing in the same spots for decades and supporting many creatures.

Its unique leaves were once used by early pioneers as a natural compass to find their way across vast prairies!

The plant's scientific name, Silphium, comes from an ancient Greek plant that produced a valuable resin, similar to its sticky sap.

Special abilities

Ability

Sun Tracker

The compass plant can orient its large, deeply lobed leaves to align mostly north and south, minimizing sun exposure during the hottest part of the day.

Ability

Deep Drinker

Compass plant has a massive taproot that can grow over 15 feet deep, helping it reach water far underground and survive droughts.

Ability

Sticky Protector

When its stem is broken, the compass plant releases a sticky resin that helps heal wounds and deters herbivores from further damage.

Measurements & details

Height
150-300 cm
Spread
60-120 cm
Flower Size
5-10 cm
Bloom Season
Summer to early Fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Compass Flower

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch plants unless you know they are safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is compass plant?

150-300 cm

How wide does compass plant spread?

60-120 cm

How big are the flowers on compass plant?

5-10 cm

When does compass plant bloom?

Summer to early Fall

Is compass plant edible?

Yes

Is compass plant toxic?

None

What is compass plant's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is compass plant pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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