Silphium laciniatum- Compass Plant Green deep pink stems rise above

deep pink stems rise above the foliage and bear clusters of nodding rounded flowers of the same rich color

providing excellent late-season interest

Soil: Medium

It is a great addition to all well-drained soils in full sun to part shade

The flowers mature into delicate oat-like seed heads that attract songbirds late in the season

Silphium laciniatum- Compass Plant Green deep pink stems rise aboveCompass Plant was a standout staple of the tallgrass prairie that once covered what is now the state of Illinois, towering above even its tallest neighbors. Its name refers to the north south orientation of its large, rough textured and deeply lobed basal leaves, which can be used to determine cardinal directions. The evolutionary reason for this orientation is to conserve water by shielding the face of the leaves from the hottest rays of the sun.