Silphium terebinthinaceum

Common Names

Prairie Dock, Prairie Rosinweed

Summary

Silphium terebinthinaceum, commonly known as prairie dock or prairie rosinweed, is a tall North American perennial in the Asteraceae. It forms a basal clump of large, heart-shaped leaves and rising flowering stalks that reach about 3–12 feet tall, bearing numerous yellow, daisy-like flower heads in mid to late summer.

It is native to prairies, glades, fens, and other open habitats across the Midwest and southern United States, prefers full sun and moist to well-drained soils, and tolerates drought due to a deep taproot. The plant attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies and provides seeds for birds; it is long-lived, begins flowering after a couple of years, and can be propagated by seed or division. It is commonly used in prairie and native plant gardens, wildlife habitat plantings, and restoration projects.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-10 feet

Spread

24-36 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full Sun; tolerates partial sun or partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, well-drained loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil

Soil pH

Neutral to slightly alkaline soil.

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green, dark green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow

Seasons of Interest

Summer and Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds, Attracts hummingbirds