Plant
Prairie Dock
Silphium terebinthinaceumAlso known as Prairie Rosinweed
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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Goldfinches
- Prairie Voles
- Caterpillars
ThreatsHabitat loss, agricultural conversion, woody plant encroachment
HabitatsTallgrass prairies, savannas, glades, open woodlands
Life spanPerennial (20+ years)
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 (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.