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Compass Plant Seed
Silphium - laciniatum
$2.69

Item #1813

Perennial (USDA zones 3-9). Blooms from mid to late summer. This native gigantic sentinel aligns its foliate north and south, rewarding you with masses of bright yellow flowers. Reaching a towering height of 4'-9' and a width of 2', few perennials will grow so tall or provide more drama than this long-lived wildflower. Even more amazing, its leaves can reach 2'-3' long, looking like something out of a fairy tale. It attracts butterflies and songbirds love the big seeds that ripen in fall. This long-lived prairie plant grows naturally on the plains in Canada and the United States, but is endangered or threatened in several states. Native Americans had many uses for it, including using in rituals to protect against lightening and for medicinal treatments. Plants will reach their maximum height in ideal conditions of rich soil with abundant moisture, though they will endure tremendous heat and drought once established. Be sure to sow seed or put transplants in the location where you want them to grace your garden for a long time; plants have a very deep taproot and cannot be easily moved.

When to plant outside: RECOMMENDED. Sow in fall for germination the following spring.

When to start inside: Not recommended (because plants germinate better with natural cold stratification during a winter outdoors and due to long taproot). But, with special care, you may sow indoors 16-20 weeks before last frost in spring.

Special Germination Instructions: Seed needs a cold treatment of 2-4 months before germination. This occurs naturally when seed is planted outdoors in fall. When planted indoors, plant seed in moistened seed starting mix then place in a cool location with temperatures around 40 degrees F (this may be your refrigerator, garage, or unheated basement) for 2-4 months. It may also help to scarify seeds before planting by lightly rubbing the outer seed coat with a nail file or sandpaper. After the chilling period, grow in a warm location at 65-70 degrees. Seeds may not germinate all at once. Germination may occur over several months, so don’t give up quickly. This amazing plant is worth the wait!

WHAT IS A NATIVE?

Native North American plants are indigenous plants that evolved naturally in their ecosystem without introduction. They often tolerate greater swings in water availability, have deep root systems that prevent water runoff and soil erosion and require little or no fertilizer or pest control. They also provide food for butterflies, insects, birds, and other valuable pollinators.

BOTANIC GARDENS SERIES

Plant species are constantly being lost throughout the world as a result of habitat loss, climate change, pollution, insect and disease problems, and even over-collection. Botanical Interests is very pleased to be working with botanic gardens throughout the U.S. to protect species that are rare and endangered or may become so if not maintained. As gardeners we can feel good about adding these attractive, adaptable treasures to our gardens. By planting them, we become responsible stewards of the environment and give a gift back to nature.