Species compass plant

compass plant

Silphium laciniatum

Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum) is a unique wildflower species native to the tallgrass prairies of North America. This species features tall narrow stems with bold yellow daisy-like flowers and oblong, deep lobed leaves. The flowers bloom in the late summer and have a distinctive pine cone-shaped structure at the center. As the plant matures, the stem bends, creating an unusual curved shape which is where it gets its name. Compass plant tolerates drought, full sun, and windy conditions, making it an ideal perennial for xeriscapes.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum) requires regular watering, but it is important to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. During the hottest months, it should be watered every 7-10 days, or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During the cooler months, watering may only be needed every 2 weeks. It is important to avoid leaving the soil overly saturated, since this can cause root rot. Additionally, during particularly hot temperatures, a light misting once or twice a week can help keep the soil and plant hydrated.

sunlight

Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum) requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for optimal growth. This sunlight should be spread throughout the day, from early morning to late afternoon. As a drought-tolerant species, compass plant does not need as much water as other plants. When growing in a location with hot summers, it is best to provide afternoon shade to avoid scorching plants. In cooler climates, more sunlight is needed during the winter months and plants should receive up to 8 hours of sunlight daily.

pruning

Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum) should be pruned every spring. Pruning should be done just before the plant begins to actively grow in the spring. Generally, this means pruning should be done from late March to early April in most climates. The amount of pruning that should be done to a compass plant varies depending on the desired shape of the plant and the size of the mature plant. For most compass plants, it is best to prune a third of the plant’s height each year. This means that, in most cases, only the top third of the plant should be pruned. It is important to note that the branches and stems should not be cut too short, as the plant may not be able to recover from the shock of too much pruning. Compass plants are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they do require pruning to remain healthy and attractive. With the proper timing and amount of pruning, this beautiful plant can be enjoyed for many years to come.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Compass plant typically begins flowering in June.

Hardiness Map