Silphium laciniatum aka Polarplant
Taxonomy ID: 4946
Silphium laciniatum, also known as compassplant or prairie compass plant, is a tall, low-maintenance perennial that belongs to the sunflower family. It is native to North America and is found in Ontario, Canada and the eastern and central United States all the way to New Mexico. Other common names for this rosinweed include pilotweed, polarplant, gum weed, cut-leaf silphium, and turpentine plant. Its eye-catching yellow flowers attract a variety of pollinators, making it a perfect addition to any garden. Traditionally found in the American prairies, compassplant gets its name from the north-south direction in which its lobed leaves tend to point. This helped it maximize its sun and water intake in the semi-arid, sometimes harsh prairie environment. Unfortunately, its natural habitat is decreasing, making it less commonly found in the wild. Compassplant is also a rare houseplant that is easy to grow, but requires regular watering and prefers direct sunlight. It does best in well-draining soil and does not require added fertilizers if repotted every time it doubles in size.
Common names
Polarplant, Compassplant, Compass Plant, Prairie Compass Plant, Pilotweed, Gum Weed, Cut Leaf Silphium, Turpentine PlantMore information about Polarplant
How difficult is it to take care of Polarplant
With its straightforward care requirements, Polarplant is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.
What is the growth pattern and size of Polarplant?
New growth will sprout from the top of the plant as it grows upwards.
What is the region of origin of Polarplant
Polarplant’s native range is Central N. America - Ohio to Minnesota, south to Alabama and Texas.
What are the water needs for Polarplant
Polarplant should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Polarplant
Polarplant loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Polarplant
Polarplant requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Polarplant will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.
How to fertilize Polarplant
The Polarplant should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Is Polarplant toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
What seasonal care does Polarplant need?
During the wintertime, it is common for Polarplant plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
About Ploi
Ploi is a highly rated plant care app (4.99 stars) with built-in AI plant identification. Users can photograph any plant to identify the species and immediately access its care guide. Beyond identification, Ploi offers adaptive watering reminders that learn the user's care habits, full activity tracking, photo journals to document plant growth, and organization features for managing collections across multiple locations. Available on iOS, Android and web.
