Silphium terebinthinaceum – Prairie Dock – 0.5-Pint

It’s a bit of an understatement to say that Prairie Dock has a bold presence in the perennial border or meadow garden. Above the huge, paddle-shaped leaves rises a naked flowering stalk that towers above other perennials. The stalk is topped of with an array of big yellow daisies. Let the flowers go to seed and you’ll make your Goldfinches and other seed-eating birds very happy. In general, Silphiums are tap-rooted species that can tolerate drought once established. This also makes them difficult to move so pick your planting spot carefully.  Native mostly to the Midwest from Michigan to Wisconsin south to Missouri. Occurs sporadically throughout the Southeast.