compass plant

plant, Silphium species

Also known as: Silphium laciniatum, pilotweed

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July 23, 2026

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The compass plant, scientifically known as Silphium laciniatum, is a yellow-flowered composite plant native to North America. It is a type of rosinweed, belonging to the genus Silphium, which comprises about 23 species. This prairie plant is characterized by its large, deeply cut leaves that often align in a northerly and southerly direction, giving it the "compass" name. It can grow quite tall, reaching up to 3.5 meters (about 12 feet), and features a tall stalk with solitary, large flowers. The term "silphium" also refers to an extinct plant used medicinally by ancient Greeks.123

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Silphium
Compass plant, or pilotweed (S. laciniatum), is a prairie plant with large, deeply cut, lance-shaped leaves. It may grow to 3.5 metres (about 12 feet) and has a tall flower stalk with solitary large flowers.
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Compass plant, or pilotweed (S. laciniatum), is a prairie plant with large, deeply cut, lance-shaped leaves. It may grow to 3.5 metres (about 12 feet) and has a tall flower stalk with solitary large flowers.
Read More