Alphabetical Plant Listing

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.

Not sure which Silphium to pick?
Compare All Silphium

Buy Silphium terebinthinaceum (Prairie Dock)

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

Buy Plants


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

Plant Calculator

How many Silphium terebinthinaceum (Prairie Dock) do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Silphium terebinthinaceum (Prairie Dock)

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.