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Silphium laciniatum

Compass Plant (Pilot Plant, Polar Plant)

Clusters of nodding, eastern-facing, sunflower-like, yellow blooms top sturdy, green stems covered in fine, white hairs.

  • »  Clusters of nodding eastern-facing sunflower-like yellow flowers
  • »  Sturdy green stems are covered in white hairs
  • »  Basal narrow leaves are very deeply lobed and up to 50 cm long
  • »  Upright clumping habit
  • »  Drought-tolerant
  • »  Bloom Time: August to September
  • »  Flower Size: 13 cm

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  • Category:Perennials
  • Hardiness Zone:4
  • Height:200-300 cm
  • Spread:50-60 cm
  • Bloom Color: Yellow
Exposure
• Full Sun
Soil Moisture
• Moist to Average
• Average to Dry Soils
• Well-drained
Growth Rate
• Medium
Attributes
• Native to Ontario
• Drought Tolerant
Flowering Time
• Lt. Sum-Fall
Habit
• Clumping
• Upright
Foliage Color
• Green
Landscape uses
• Naturalizing
• Roadside planting
Planting instructions
• Container Plants
Additional Information about Silphium laciniatum

Native to Ontario

This long-lived cultivar is known to live for up to 100 years. Received the common name "compass" plant, as the plant orients itself on a north-south axis to minimize overhead sun exposure.

Growing & Maintenance Tips for Silphium laciniatum

 Tolerant of poor soils, it is easily grown in an average, medium, well-drained soil, in full sun.