Compass Plant

Silphium laciniatum   
 
 
 
Perhaps the most striking of all the Silphiums, the large, deeply indented leaves tend to orient themselves in a north-south direction. Numerous yellow flowers appear on lofty stems in late summer. First Nations have chewed the hardened sap like chewing gum and the rootstock has been used to cure fever, and as a tonic and expectorant. Attracts birds and butterflies.