Quick answer: Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum) is native to 20 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Eric Hunt, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry, high drought tolerance |
| Soil | Various well-drained soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Jul-Sep |
| Height | 3-10 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Large seeds eaten by birds and small mammals, nectar source, special value to native and bumble bees |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Compass plant
Where is Compass plant native?
Compass plant (Silphium laciniatum) is native to 20 states across the Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Compass plant bloom?
Compass plant blooms Jul-Sep. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Compass plant need?
Light: Sun. Water: Dry, high drought tolerance. Soil: Various well-drained soils. Mature height: 3-10 ft tall.
Is Compass plant good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Large seeds eaten by birds and small mammals, nectar source, special value to native and bumble bees.
Is Compass plant deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Compass plant is drought-tolerant.
Where can I buy real Compass plant seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Silphium laciniatum on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Compass plant.
- Tall blazing star Liatris aspera
- Grayhead coneflower Ratibida pinnata
- Prairie blazing star Liatris pycnostachya
- Common evening primrose Oenothera biennis
- Coralberry Symphoricarpos orbiculatus
- Fragrant sumac Rhus aromatica
Also listed under
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