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pretty compass plant I saw on my walk today! they can live for up to 100 years and grow 8+ feet tall if given the right conditions :)

#silphium laciniatum #prairie #native plants

Silphium laciniatum, commonly known as compassplant or compass plant, is an iconic species of the tallgrass prairie. It’s named for the orientation of the leaves - the tips face roughly north or south, and the surfaces of the blades face east and west, which reduces water loss. Compassplant is noted for having extremely deep roots and for being host to a number of insects and other small animal species.

#silphium laciniatum #compassplant #compass plant #plants of iowa #prairie plants #botany

First time I’ve seen Silphium terebinthinaceum at Clifton Gorge, growing near what would of been barrens along the rim trail. The last time it was present at Clifton Gorge was 20 years ago, a time before the ash death and a bit prior to the honey suckle invasion in greene co. It’s amazing to see how much from the seed bank reappears when you remove honeysuckle.

The cool thing is that this species is growing right next to it’s close realative S. laciniatum

Bonus: there is a story I found about a powerful tornado ripping up so much top soil that it re exposed seeds from the great plaines

#botany #plants #wildflowers #ohio #silphium #silphium terebinthinaceum #silphium laciniatum #plantblr #plants of tumblr

Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Schoeneberg Marsh, WI, 8-30-17

#compass plant #Silphium laciniatum #flower #wildflower #original photographers #photographers on tumblr #nature photography #imiging

Meet The Compass Plant

Few prairie plants stand out more than the compass plant (Silphium laciniatum). With its uniquely lobed leaves and a flower stalk that rises well above the rest of the vegetation, it is nearly impossible to miss. It is also quite easy to identify. Seeing a population in full bloom is truly a sight to behold but the ecology of this species makes appreciating its splendor all the more enjoyable. Today I would like to introduce you to this wonderful member of the aster family.

Any discussion about this species inevitably turns to its common name. Why compass plant? It all has to do with those lovely lobed leaves. When they first develop, the leaves of the compass plant are arranged randomly. However, within 2 to 3 weeks, the leaves will orient themselves so that their flat surfaces face east and west. They also stand vertically. This is such a reliable feature of the plant that past generations have learned to use it as a reliable way in which to orient themselves.

Of course, helping humans find their way is not why this feature evolved. The answer to their orientation has to do with surviving in the open habitats in which they grow. Anyone who has ever spent time hiking around in prairie-like habitats will tell you that the sun can be punishing and temperatures get hot. What's more, the range of this species overlaps with much of the rain shadow produced by the Rocky Mountains meaning water can often be in short supply.

By orienting their leaves in a vertical position with the flat surfaces face east and west, the plants are able to maximize their carbon gain as well as their water use efficiency. At the same time, the vertical orientation limits the amount of direct solar radiation hitting the leaf. In essence, compass plant leaf orientation has evolved in response to the stresses of their environment. Research has shown that the sun's position in early morning is the stimulus that the plant cues in on during leaf growth.

Aside from its fascinating biology, the compass plant is also ecologically important. Myriad pollinators visit its large composite flowers and many different species of birds feed on their seeds. However, it is the insect community supported by the compass plant that is most impressive. Surveys have shown that nearly 80 different species of insect can be found living on or in it stems. Many of these are gall making wasps and their respective parasitoids. With individual plants producing up to 12 stems each, these numbers soon become overwhelming. Needless to say, this is one of the cornerstone plant species anywhere it grows naturally.

Photo Credit: [1]

Further Reading: [1] [2] [3]

#compass plant #prairies #Silphium laciniatum #Silphium

Silphium laciniatum

Compass flower,

The name comes from pioneering times, the upper most leaves are made to catch east and west lighting but not direct light from over head nor north and south, but instead point in those directions. Due to their extremely deep tap route they are perfectly evolved for the harsh heat that can sometimes bring about drought in a prairie; another side effect from this ability is it’s presence in time. Some specimens in botanical gardens have lived to be 100 years old and others could easily be older in remnant prairies. If you see one of the fan leaved members of this genera that are more than 15 years old, feel free to touch your hands to it’s leaves on a warm summers day; heat conduction will be rather apparent as it will feel cold to the touch.