Compass Plant

(Silphium laciniatum)

Aster Family

This typical prairie perennial is one of the tallest of the nonwoody plants growing to a height of 6 to 8 feet. The alternate, large, hairy leaves, growing up to 1 foot long, are deeply cut and divided. When it grows in dry, open places, the lower leaves often stand on edge and are orientated in a north-south direction, hence its name. The flower heads are 2½ to 4½ inches wide with yellow rays much like those of sunflowers.