Ontario Wildflowers website

Compass Plant
Silphium laciniatum

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum) Other common names: Pilot Weed

Family: Composite Family (Asteraceae)

Flowers: Summer;  Yellow;  7 or more parts (petals)

Leaves: Alternate

Height: 100-200 cm (39-78 in)

Habitat: Forests, Fields and Open Areas

Grows in Sun/Shade: Sun

Native/Non-native: Native

Status:   S-Rank: S1  G-Rank: G5
Rare.


Photographs: 104 photographs available, of which 12 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Compass Plants are very tall, often 7-8 feet in height!

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Compass Plant flower.

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Side view of Compass Plant flower.

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Compass Plants have unusual and distinctive leaves, as shown here.

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Another view of a leaf.

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Lower leaves.

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

The stem of the Compass Plant is very hairy/fuzzy.

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Seeds forming.

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Nice backlit group of Compass Plants.