Prairie Dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum)
Tall plant that is rather slow to develop; however, it is long-lived and nearly indestructible at maturity. Upper part of each stalk divides gracefully into a panicle of yellow flowerheads and spherical green buds. Has distinctive large basal leaves. Attracts long-tongued bees such as honeybees and bumblebees. Goldfinches eat the seeds. Welcome addition to tall grass prairies.
Tall plant that is rather slow to develop; however, it is long-lived and nearly indestructible at maturity. Upper part of each stalk divides gracefully into a panicle of yellow flowerheads and spherical green buds. Has distinctive large basal leaves. Attracts long-tongued bees such as honeybees and bumblebees. Goldfinches eat the seeds. Welcome addition to tall grass prairies.
Tall plant that is rather slow to develop; however, it is long-lived and nearly indestructible at maturity. Upper part of each stalk divides gracefully into a panicle of yellow flowerheads and spherical green buds. Has distinctive large basal leaves. Attracts long-tongued bees such as honeybees and bumblebees. Goldfinches eat the seeds. Welcome addition to tall grass prairies.
Bloom: late summer to early fall
Habitats: gravel prairies; hill prairies; limestone glades; moist to dry black soil prairies; limestone glades; prairie remnants along roadsides and railroads; savannas; seeps; shrub prairies
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to slightly dry
Plant type (height): forb (3 to 10 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: deep loamy soil (gravelly or rocky soil is tolerated)