Compass Plant
| Plant Profile | |
|---|---|
| FYUSE 3D Image |
Common Name: Compass Plant Other names: Rosin Weed Species Name: Silphium laciniatum Plant Type: Forb Family Name: Asteraceae, Sunflower Family |
Examples of Compass PlantSilphium laciniatum
| Plant Facts | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Native |
| Duration | Perennial |
| Distribution in the U.S. | Midwest, from Minnesota south to Arkansas and Texas |
| Distribution in Oklahoma | Throughout the state, highest populations in center half of state |
ID Characteristics
- Field Identification Characteristics
Vegetative
- Very large multi-forked, lobed, “oak-like” leaves that come from base of plant
- Stems have rough texture; ooze a thick sap when broken
- Name derived from leaf blades planar direction; up-and-down, “north/south”
Floral
- Large yellow flower heads on tall, erect stem
- Leaf and Stem Characteristics
- Leaf Type: Simple
- Leaf Arrangement: Basal, alternate
- Leaf Shape: Deeply lobed (laciniate to pinnatifid)
- Stipules: Absent
- Floral Characteristics
- Petal Number: 15+
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flower Timing: July-September
- Fruit Type: Achene
| Habitat/Ecology | |
|---|---|
| Soil Type | Loam, clay, sandy and rocky soil |
| Habitat | Tallgrass prairie |
| Successional Stage | Mid to late |
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