My husband is from Des Moines- we moved here from my native Oregon about a year and a half ago. Other than the oak trees, the environment has felt very different! So much to explore!
It is a wonderful thought, the people relying on the plant for their direction. I read that they used it in the dark, too, because the leaves feel rough like sandpiper, so they knew what leaf they were holding. It's great, the connection with nature.
Thank you for writing about this Silphium--one of my favorite native plants! I love that the people going West used it as a directional tool. I’m sharing your article on the Wild Ones River City Facebook page.
Thank you Ruth! I'm glad we share an enthusiasm for Compass Plant. Thank you for commenting. I have applied to join the Wild Ones River City Facebook page.
Diane, thank you for this recognition of a plant that's hard to find, at least in our area. We've lived in the TX Hill Country for 30 years. and have seen only one, a white one. Maybe 24"-30" tall, it grew in the ditch along our gravel road for at least 18 years--an isolate, not part of a colony. I took the first photo of it in 2005 and have taken several others since, remarking on its persistence. Unfortunately, a neighbor scraped out the ditch with his tractor blade last year. The plant didn't reappear this year, but I remember it--sadly--every time I drive past its spot.
Oh, that is a sad tale, but one that happens too often. I have never heard of a white Compass Plant. That would have been a sight to see. Thank you for posting! I'd love to see that photo, by the way, if you have it handy. You could email it to me at doctorvandermast@gmail.com
Wow! 100 years?? How beautiful— thank you for this, Diane. Im a Des Moines transplant, deeply enjoying exploring this ecosystem. 🌻
Thanks for reading this, Lisette. AND for commenting. Are you from DM or just moving to it? Or are you in Fairfield now?
My husband is from Des Moines- we moved here from my native Oregon about a year and a half ago. Other than the oak trees, the environment has felt very different! So much to explore!
Amazing plant !!
I live in northern Alberta so it seems not.
Wow !! What a story.
I will look for them now.
What state do you live in? Compass Plant has a big range in the Midwest. Map here...
https://www.prairiemoon.com/silphium-laciniatum-compass-plant-prairie-moon-nursery.html#panel-rangemap
Instead of the stars, the flowers!
Thanks for commenting!
They’re out at Lamson! Thank you Diane, just love this. The pioneers traveling the prairie seas with the help of this beautiful plant.
It is a wonderful thought, the people relying on the plant for their direction. I read that they used it in the dark, too, because the leaves feel rough like sandpiper, so they knew what leaf they were holding. It's great, the connection with nature.
Thank you for writing about this Silphium--one of my favorite native plants! I love that the people going West used it as a directional tool. I’m sharing your article on the Wild Ones River City Facebook page.
Thank you Ruth! I'm glad we share an enthusiasm for Compass Plant. Thank you for commenting. I have applied to join the Wild Ones River City Facebook page.
Diane, by the way, I shared your Partridge Pea article last week to the Wild Ones RC site. Keep these articles coming!
I’ve just approved you to join our group!
Diane, thank you for this recognition of a plant that's hard to find, at least in our area. We've lived in the TX Hill Country for 30 years. and have seen only one, a white one. Maybe 24"-30" tall, it grew in the ditch along our gravel road for at least 18 years--an isolate, not part of a colony. I took the first photo of it in 2005 and have taken several others since, remarking on its persistence. Unfortunately, a neighbor scraped out the ditch with his tractor blade last year. The plant didn't reappear this year, but I remember it--sadly--every time I drive past its spot.
Oh, that is a sad tale, but one that happens too often. I have never heard of a white Compass Plant. That would have been a sight to see. Thank you for posting! I'd love to see that photo, by the way, if you have it handy. You could email it to me at doctorvandermast@gmail.com