The Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum) is a striking perennial of the tallgrass prairie, admired not only for its towering stalks and sunflower-like blooms but also for its remarkable leaves. These large, deeply cut leaves instinctively align themselves on a north–south axis, like nature’s own compass. Early settlers and prairie travelers once used this plant to find their bearings on the open plains, making it as much a living landmark as a wildflower. The orientation of the leaves help the plant conserve water under the summer sun. 
 
Standing 6–10 feet tall with bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators through midsummer, Compass Plant combines prairie beauty with a fascinating natural guide.  Its cheerful yellow flowers bloom from mid to late summer, attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators. In fall and winter, birds enjoy the seeds, making this a true four-season wildlife plant. Plant it in full sun, give it time to establish, and enjoy a conversation piece that points the way as surely as it brightens the landscape. 
 
    •    Height: 6–10 ft
    •    Bloom Time: Mid–late summer
    •    Flowers: Large yellow, daisy-like blooms
    •    Wildlife Value: Excellent for pollinators; seed heads feed birds
    •    Native Range: Central and Eastern U.S. prairies
    •    Light: Full sun
    •    Soil: Average, well-drained; drought tolerant once established
    •    Lifespan: Long-lived perennial, often thriving for decades
 
Perfect for prairie gardens, meadows, and large pollinator habitats, Compass Plant adds drama and ecological value wherever it grows.
 
Beautiful oodles of yellow flowers top this staggering wildflower that reaches heights of 6-10 feet tall.
 
It is native to the Midwest and primarily found in Illinois, Arkansas and Missouri
 
it is specifically native to the following states:
North Dakota
South Dakota
Nebraska
Kansas
Oklahoma
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
Wisconsin
Illinois
Michigan
Indiana
Ohio
Kentucky
Tennessee
Arkansas
Texas
 
Perennial zones: 3-9
 
This is for 25 seeds. 
 
The seeds require 60 days of cold stratification to break dormancy. 
 
Seeds can be sown in fall for a sowing emergence or cold stratified in your refrigerator