CompassPlant


 * Compass Plant** (Silphium laciniatum)

The compass plant (silphium laciniatum) is a large plant that is common in the mid-west, in tall-grass plains.² It reproduces by releasing lightweight seeds, which can be carried up to 20 feet. The plant is very recognizable because of it's height, and can be easily mistaken for common sunflowers.
 * __Compass Plant__**


 * __Description__**[[image:yellowflower3.jpg width="318" height="239" align="right" caption="A compass plant flower. (Photo by Patty Mackey, AHS Prairie, Sep 4th, 2008)"]]

Compass plants can be anywhere from 6' to 12' tall.¹ They bloom from the months of June, July, and August, and begin to die from early to mid-September. In the mid-west, compass plants are very common, and are often found growing near Big Bluestem plants. They are common in large prairies, and along railroad tracks. Many describe them as 'large sunflowers', because of their appearance when they bloom. Some describe it as a very large weed, while others grow them as a replacement for sunflowers.

__**Growing Conditions**__

Compass plants are common in the mid-west, due to the temperature and conditions found in that region. They are most common in Illinois, where the conditions are perfect, but many surrounding states contain the plant as well. The plant needs full sun most of the time, which is why the leaves point north to south. They have turned in this direction over hundreds of years, so they could receive the most sunlight throughout the day.The plant itself transpires water to keep cool, if it is not placed in moist conditions. While not optimal, sand plains can also become homes for compass plants. They are able to recover quickly from fire, and heat. The compass plant can take several years to grow to full size, but they have been known to live for up to 100 years.¹


 * __Uses for the Compass Plant__**

When the Great Plains were being settled, the compass plant was a common help to settlers. The thick and hairy green leaves at it's base were used to tell direction, because they pointed north and south. It's leaves were what gave it the name 'Compass Plant'. Native Americans used the tough resin from the flowers as a form of chewing gum.

__Sources__

[|¹] [|Illinois Wild Flowers] - A website containing facts about the compass plant, and other members of the Asteracae family.

² [|Oak Prairie Farm] - A website containing information about the range and growing conditions for the compass plant.