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prairie dock

Silphium terebinthinaceum

Prairie dock is a tall plant with big leaves and bright yellow flowers. It grows in sunny places and can be found in prairies and open fields, making it a beautiful sight in nature.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The prairie dock is a tall plant with robust, stiff stems rising high above large, sandpaper-textured basal leaves. It has bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in clusters at the top, making it stand out against the prairie.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusSilphium
prairie dock
ornamental trait badgesummer_blooming trait badgemedicinal trait badgegrassland trait badge
prairie dock

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Early settlers chewed its resinous sap like gum for a refreshing taste.

Its leaves can rotate to face east and west, like natural solar panels!

Native Americans used its strong stalks to make scrubbing brushes!

This plant's mighty roots can plunge over 15 feet into the earth!

Special abilities

Ability

Sun Compass Leaves

Prairie dock has unique vertical leaves that help it catch morning and evening sun, while reducing water loss during intense midday heat.

Ability

Deep Taproot Anchor

Prairie dock can grow a very long taproot that helps it reach deep water sources and withstand strong prairie winds.

Ability

Healing Resin Sap

Prairie dock has a sticky resinous sap that can help it seal wounds and deter some herbivores.

Measurements & details

Height
100-300 cm
Spread
30-90 cm
Flower Size
5-10 cm
Bloom Season
Summer-fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

collects nectar and pollen from its flowers

pollinates

Monarch butterfly

Danaus plexippus

visits flowers for nectar

eaten by

American bison

Bison bison

graze on young leaves and stems

depends on

Silphium borer moth

Papaipema silphii

larvae bore into its stems for shelter and food

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

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 prairie dock?

100-300 cm

How wide does prairie dock spread?

30-90 cm

How big are the flowers on prairie dock?

5-10 cm

When does prairie dock bloom?

Summer-fall

Is prairie dock edible?

Yes

Is prairie dock toxic?

None

What is prairie dock's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is prairie dock pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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