Silphium laciniatum Arkansas.jpg. by Eric in SF. CC BY-SA 4.0. via Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Compass Plant Plant Care
Silphium laciniatum Walter
Silphium laciniatum is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae known commonly as compassplant[2] or compass plant. It is native to North America, where it occurs in Ontario in Canada and the eastern and central United States as far west as New Mexico.[3] Other common names include prairie compass plant,[4] pilotweed, polarplant,[3] gum weed, cut-leaf silphium, and turpentine plant.[5] It is a rosinweed of genus Silphium.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
60–80°F
40–70%
What Is the Compass Plant?
Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Silphium genus. Compass Plant is native to North America. Compass Plant is also known as Cutleaf Silphium, Prairie Dock, Silphium gummiferum.
Compass Plant displays a tall, upright perennial growth habit, reaching up to 6 inches tall with a spread of approximately 3 inches. Compass Plant produces large yellow composite flowers in late summer.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Compass Plant?
Silphium laciniatum requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Compass Plant Need?
Compass Plant thrives in full sun light conditions. The optimal light range is 2000–4000 lux. Avoid placing Compass Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Full sun
2000–4000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Compass Plant Prefer?
Silphium laciniatum grows best at temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. Compass Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Compass Plant?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Compass Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a Compass Plant?
Repot every 3-4 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Compass Plant?
Compass Plant can be propagated through seeds, division of rhizomes. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cup plant plant care, which shares the same genus.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
Is the Compass Plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Non-Toxic
Non-toxic to humans and pets
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Compass Plant?
Compass Plant is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Compass Plant Need?
Compass Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. Native to North America, Compass Plant is adapted to warm climates. In cooler regions, grow Compass Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Compass Plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Silphium genus — compare its care with other Silphium species on PlantoScan.
Compass Plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Silphium Species
Other Silphium species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Identify Plants Like the
Compass Plant Instantly
Scan any plant with your iPhone camera and get instant ID, care tips, watering reminders, and disease checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
89%
accuracy
5.0
App Store
200K+
species