Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum)

Family: Asteraceae or Compositae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Silphium laciniatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 2 m (6ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweeten the breath. — A resin exudes naturally from the plant, and can also be obtained by incision.; It is an inexpensive substitute for mastic and is used as a chewing gum to sweeten the breath.; It forms on the upper part of the flowering stem.

Habitat & North American Range

Prairies and glades. Calcareous or sandy soils and prairies in Texas. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)