Silphium laciniatum 'Compass Plant'

Silphium laciniatum, commonly known as Compass Plant is a native, perennial plant found in the prairies and savannas of North America. It is characterized by its tall, upright growth habit. Reaching up to 7 feet!  It's large, yellow composite flowers that resemble daisies grow as several clusters along the tall stem. The leaves of Silphium laciniatum are large getting up to 20", are deeply lobed, and have a bright green color. They are arranged alternately along the stem and have a rough, hairy texture. The large, lobed leaves and tall stature of Silphium laciniatum also make it an important component of prairie and savanna ecosystems, providing food and habitat for a variety of species.

In terms of habitat, Silphium laciniatum is well-adapted to a variety of soil and moisture conditions and can be found in both dry and moist soils. It is also tolerant of drought and can grow in full sun to partial shade.

The root system of Silphium laciniatum can be quite deep, typically reaching several feet below the surface of the soil. The exact depth of the roots can vary depending on the growing conditions, but deep roots are an adaptation that allows the plant to access moisture and nutrients from deeper within the soil profile. This is especially important in its native prairie and savanna habitats, where droughts are common and shallow-rooted plants may struggle to survive. The deep roots of Silphium laciniatum also help to stabilize the plant and prevent it from being uprooted during strong winds or heavy rain. Also great for preventing soil erosion.