Navigating through the Prairie with the Compass Plant: August’s Native of the Month

The native plant of the month for August at Wellfield Botanic Gardens is the compass plant, or Silphium laciniatum. Compass plant is a member of the asteraceae family, the same family that includes sunflowers and asters. This perennial plant is native to the area and is a common prairie plant and a key food source for wildlife, including native birds, in the area. Here at Wellfield Botanic Gardens, the compass plant is featured predominantly in the prairie area of the Children’s Garden. S. laciniatum’s common name comes from the way in which the leaves on this prairie plant orient themselves so the leaf edges point north and south. This adaptation helps the plant avoid the midday sun.

S. laciniatum can grow to 12 feet tall, and often tower over other plants in prairies. Leaves are alternate and simple, with large and deeply lobed leathery leaves at the base that become less defined as you go up the stalk. Bloom time of this perennial native lasts from June until August with 4 inch yellow flowers.

S. laciniatum’s (compass plant) bright yellow flowers in our Children’s Garden prairie, August 2024

Historical uses of this perennial include various native american tribes using the sap as a form of chewing gum, as well as the Pawnee tribe using the root to make a tea to help aid various illnesses. We leave the prairie throughout the winter in the Children’s Garden and wait to cut it back until spring because the seeds of S. laciniatum provide a food source for wildlife (including goldfinches) during a time when there are fewer food options for wildlife in the area. 

Silphium laciniatum is a native to our area and is a great fit for our monthly series where we highlight the importance of native species on the ecosystem. We hope you’re able to visit the Gardens and find Silphium laciniatum in bloom!

Ariana Guerrero

Horticulturist

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