Compass Plant
Compass plant is a tall, striking prairie plant used by a variety of wildlife. It is an important pollen source for native bees. Birds such as Goldfinches and Kingbirds perch on the large stems and the seeds are eaten birds and small mammals.
Botanical name: Silphium laciniatum
Bloom time: June - September
Height: 4’ - 7’
Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
Soil Moisture: Moist to dry
Hardiness Zone: zones 3 - 9
Supports: Butterflies and birds
Availability: Currently out of stock
Compass plant is a tall, striking prairie plant used by a variety of wildlife. It is an important pollen source for native bees. Birds such as Goldfinches and Kingbirds perch on the large stems and the seeds are eaten birds and small mammals.
Botanical name: Silphium laciniatum
Bloom time: June - September
Height: 4’ - 7’
Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
Soil Moisture: Moist to dry
Hardiness Zone: zones 3 - 9
Supports: Butterflies and birds
Availability: Currently out of stock
Compass plant is a tall, striking prairie plant used by a variety of wildlife. It is an important pollen source for native bees. Birds such as Goldfinches and Kingbirds perch on the large stems and the seeds are eaten birds and small mammals.
Botanical name: Silphium laciniatum
Bloom time: June - September
Height: 4’ - 7’
Sun Exposure: Full to partial sun
Soil Moisture: Moist to dry
Hardiness Zone: zones 3 - 9
Supports: Butterflies and birds
Availability: Currently out of stock
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Compass plant is a tall, striking prairie plant used by a variety of wildlife. It is an important pollen source for native bees. Birds such as Goldfinches and Kingbirds perch on the large stems and the seeds are eaten birds and small mammals.
Compass plant is found throughout eastern and central North America as far north as Ontario.
Though slow growing, the plant is long lived, with documented century old plants that can reach 8 feet tall when grown in moist, rich soils.
The name Compass Plant comes from the north-south orientation of the plant’s leaves and therefore its use as a directional tool by early European settlers. It is thought that these settlers could even find their way in the dark by feeling of the leaves. Other common names for Compass plant include prairie compass plant, pilotweed, gum weed polarplant, and cut-leaf silphium.
Historically, several Native American tribes used the plant including making its sap into chewing gum.
Volume Discounts:
5% off orders over $50. Use code: 20255%
10% off orders over $75. Use code: 202510%
15% off orders over $100. Use code: 202515%
All sales are for pick-up only:
Plants can be picked up at our farm or our Madison pick-up site. You will receive an email with available pick-up times at each location after we receive your order.
Payment:
We accept cash and checks at the farm and credit cards through our website.
Bulk Sales:
Restoration and bulk sale (100+ plants) inquiries should be directed to Erin Crain-Sullivan at 608-432-5578 or whitepelicanfarm@gmail.com with “attention Erin” in the subject line.