Key features
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Native North American perennial wildflower with deeply divided foliage.
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Bright yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom during summer.
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Tall, upright stems create a striking garden feature.
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Deep taproot helps the plant withstand dry conditions once established.
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Suitable for prairie gardens, native plantings, and pollinator-friendly landscapes.
Growing benefits
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Adds cheerful yellow blooms to sunny garden spaces.
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Provides a natural habitat for bees and other pollinators.
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Offers an attractive, low-maintenance option for established native gardens.
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Develops distinctive foliage that adds texture and visual interest.
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Supports long-term garden growth with its deep-rooted perennial habit.
Seed specifications
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Common Name: Compass Plant
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Botanical Name: Silphium laciniatum
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Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial wildflower
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Colors: Yellow flowers, green foliage
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Height: Typically six to nine feet
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Sunlight: Full sun
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Soil: Well-drained soil, including clay, loam, and sandy soils
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Water: Moderate during establishment; drought-tolerant once established
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Germination Time: Variable; often several weeks with suitable conditions
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Sowing Depth: Surface-sow or cover lightly with soil
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Spacing: Approximately three to four feet apart
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Growing Zones: USDA zones three through eight
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Flowering/Maturity: Summer flowering; may take several years to bloom from seed
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Uses: Native gardens, prairie plantings, pollinator gardens, and ornamental landscapes
Growing benefits
-
Adds cheerful yellow blooms to sunny garden spaces.
-
Provides a natural habitat for bees and other pollinators.
-
Offers an attractive, low-maintenance option for established native gardens.
-
Develops distinctive foliage that adds texture and visual interest.
-
Supports long-term garden growth with its deep-rooted perennial habit.
Growing tips
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Cold-stratify seeds before spring sowing to improve germination.
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Choose a permanent planting location with plenty of sunlight and room for the deep taproot.
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Keep the soil consistently moist while seedlings establish, without allowing waterlogging.
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Protect young plants from weeds and avoid disturbing their roots.
Seed storage
Store seeds in a cool, dry, dark place in a sealed, labeled container. Keep them away from heat and moisture. For best results, use fresh seeds and follow any cold-stratification instructions before planting.
Unique facts about seeds
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Compass plant seeds are technically dry fruits called achenes.
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Its common name comes from the north-south orientation of its large basal leaves.
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The plant develops a deep taproot that can extend many feet into the soil.
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Young plants focus on root development and may take several years to flower.