Silphium terebinthinaceum (Prairie Dock)
Prairie Rosinweed, Prairie Dock, Prairie Burdock, Turpentine, Turpentine Weed
Noted for its spectacular foliage and profuse blooms, Silphium terebinthinaceum (Prairie Dock) is a tall herbaceous perennial forming a basal rosette of huge, oblong to heart-shaped, dark green leaves, up to 2 ft. long (60 cm). From midsummer to mid-fall, sturdy, upright, branching stems bear a profusion of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers, 3 in. across (7 cm). The flowers resemble small sunflowers with their yellow rays surrounding a yellow central disk. The blossoms are followed by large seeds that are favored by birds. This species is also commonly called Prairie Rosinweed because its stems exude a gummy, bitter resin when broken or cut. Prairie Dock is a great choice for prairies or other natural plantings.
- Grows up to 5-9 ft. tall (150-270 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm). Will self-sow prolifically.
- Performs best in full sun in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates poor soils. The flower stalks can be floppy in shady conditions
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Great for prairies or meadows, cottage gardens, wildflower gardens, and beds and borders.
- Propagate by sowing unstratified seed in fall or stratified seed in spring.
- Native to central North America.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Silphium |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 3' – 10' (90cm – 3m) |
Spread | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Clay Soil |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
By Susan Marie Sullivan, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Silphium |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 3' – 10' (90cm – 3m) |
Spread | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia |
Tolerance | Clay Soil |
Attracts | Birds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |