Silphium laciniatum- Compass Plant
 
Compass Plant is a bold, deep-rooted native prairie perennial known for its towering height and dramatic foliage. Its large, deeply lobed leaves famously orient themselves north to south, a trait that helps reduce moisture loss and gives the plant its common name. In summer, tall flower stalks rise well above the foliage, bearing bright yellow, sunflower-like blooms that are highly attractive to pollinators. With a taproot that can reach many feet into the soil, Compass Plant is exceptionally drought-tolerant and long-lived, making it a powerful choice for prairie restorations, large native gardens, and wildlife-focused landscapes. Its structural presence adds vertical interest while contributing to soil health and supporting a wide range of native insects and birds.