Plant · GBIF taxon 7475866
prairie dock
Silphium terebinthinaceumAlso known as Prairie Rosinweed, Prairie Compass Plant
Prairie dock is an iconic tallgrass prairie perennial, distinguished by massive, sandpaper-rough basal leaves and towering flowering stems that reach over three meters high. Its broad leaves famously align north-to-south to maximize morning and evening sunlight while reducing mid-day heat stress. Bright yellow flower heads bloom throughout late summer, serving as an important nectar source for native pollinators.
PerennialPrairie NativeYellow Flowers
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—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Goldfinches
- Prairie Voles
- Caterpillars
ThreatsHabitat loss, agricultural conversion, woody plant encroachment
HabitatsTallgrass prairies, savannas, glades, open woodlands
Life spanPerennial (20+ years)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAsteraceae
- SpeciesSilphium terebinthinaceum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look for the massive heart-shaped basal leaves and resinous resin on stems.
- Timing: Visit during July through September to see the tall yellow flowering spikes in full bloom.
- Gardening: Give this plant ample space and full sun so its massive deep taproot can anchor properly.
Frequent Companion (c) Sandy Wolkenberg, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sandy Wolkenberg · cc-by
Pollinator Sid Mosdell from New Zealand / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Seed Consumer no rights reserved, uploaded by Glenn Berry · cc0
Close Relative (c) Frank Mayfield, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative
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