Compass Plant: A Guide to Growing and Caring for This Native Prairie Plant
Introduction
The compass plant (Silphium laciniatrum) is a tall, stately plant native to the American prairies. It is a member of the sunflower family (Asteraceae), but it is not the same plant as the common sunflower. Compass plants are known for their large, deeply cut leaves that resemble oak leaves. They also have clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in the summer.
Historical Significance
Early settlers believed that the plant’s large basal leaves pointed north-south, like a compass. While this is not always true, the growth direction of the leaves may help the plant maximize water and sunlight in the rugged prairie environment.
Habitat and Decline
Compass plants are native to the prairies of North America. However, due to habitat loss, the plant is declining. Growing compass plants in gardens is one way to help ensure that this lovely plant does not disappear from the American landscape.
Benefits of Compass Plants
Compass plants are beneficial to wildlife, especially pollinators. They attract a variety of native bees and butterflies, including the Monarch butterfly. Compass plants are also a natural addition to wildflower meadows, prairie gardens, and native plant gardens.
Growing Compass Plants
Compass plants are relatively easy to grow in the garden. They prefer full sun and moist to slightly dry, well-drained soil. The plants have a long taproot, so they need deep soil.
The best way to start compass plants is to sow seeds directly in the garden. You can sow unstratified seeds in autumn or stratified seeds in spring. Be patient; it takes two or three years for compass plant seedlings to grow into full-size, blooming plants.
Caring for Compass Plants
Compass plant care is minimal once the plants are established. They are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering, especially during hot weather. Compass plants can become top-heavy, especially when planted on windy slopes.
Uses of Compass Plants
Compass plants have a variety of uses in the garden and beyond:
- Pollinator attractant: Compass plants are a valuable food source for pollinators, including native bees and butterflies.
- Ornamental plant: Compass plants are attractive additions to gardens with their tall, stately stature and bright yellow flowers.
- Erosion control: The deep taproots of compass plants help to hold the soil in place, making them useful for erosion control.
Conclusion
The compass plant is a beautiful and beneficial native plant that is easy to grow in the garden. By growing compass plants, you can help to support pollinators and preserve a piece of the American prairie.
