Compass Plant
Silphium laciniatum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Silphium laciniatum (Polarplant) is a tall native forb blooming yellow flowers from June through September across the Great Plains and Midwest. This drought-tolerant prairie plant attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
48"–96" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, IA, IL and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Deer
Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 426 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Polarplant is a tall native wildflower that can reach 8 feet in height with deeply lobed leaves and bright yellow daisy-like flowers. It blooms from summer through early fall and is drought tolerant once established. This is a dramatic prairie plant that makes a bold statement in the landscape.
Growing Compass Plant
Grow Compass Plant in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 48 to 96 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Compass Plant takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Extremely tall height appears wild and uncontrolled
- Can look weedy when dormant
- May be mistaken for a weed by neighbors
Wildlife value
The large yellow flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles throughout the long blooming season. Seeds provide food for birds in fall and winter.
Common questions
- When does Silphium laciniatum bloom?
- Polarplant blooms from June through September, producing bright yellow composite flowers that attract various pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Polarplant?
- Silphium laciniatum attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles. The large yellow flower heads provide nectar and pollen for these important pollinators.
- Where is Silphium laciniatum native?
- Polarplant is native to 23 states across the Great Plains, Midwest, and parts of the Southeast, including Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, and Minnesota.
- What growing conditions does Polarplant prefer?
- Silphium laciniatum thrives in full sun with low to moderate water needs, making it well-adapted to prairie conditions and drought-tolerant landscaping.
- Is Compass Plant HOA-friendly?
- Compass Plant takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Compass Plant? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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