Silphium laciniatum
Also called Pilot Plant, Polar Plant
More About Silphium laciniatum
- Clusters of nodding, eastern-facing, sunflower-like, yellow flowers
- Sturdy, green stems are covered in white hairs
- Basal, lanceolate leaves are very deeply lobed and 50 cm long
- Upright, clumping habit
- Drought tolerant
- Bloom Time: August to September
- Flower Size: 13 cm
Interesting Notes:
Native to Ontario
This long-lived cultivar is known to live for about a 100 years. Received the common name "compass" plant, as the plant orients itself on a north-south axis to minimize overhead sun exposure.
Zone:
4Height:
200-300 cmSpread:
50-60 cmColour:
YellowCompass Plant Growing and Maintenance Tips
Tolerant of poor soils, it is easily grown in an average, medium, well-drained soil, in full sun.
Silphium laciniatum Characteristics

Full Sun

Native to Ontario

Drought Tolerant
Soil Moisture
Average to Dry SoilsWell-drained
Moist to Average
Growth Rate
MediumFlowering Time
Lt. Sum-FallHabit
UprightClumping
Foliage Color
GreenLandscape uses
NaturalizingRoadside planting