Prairie Dock

Silphium terebinthinaceum

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Type

Trees, Shrubs, & Vines

Forbs & Flowers

Grasses, Sedges, & Rushes

Conditions

Sun

Shade

Wet

Dry

Land Use

Obligate Wetland Plant almost always occurs in wetlands.

Facultative Wetland Usually occurs in wetlands but may occur in non-wetlands.

Facultative Plant occurs both in wetlands and in non-wetlands.

Facultative Upland Usually occurs in wetlands but may occur in non-wetlands.

Obligate Upland Plant almost always occurs in non-wetlands.

Prefers full sun and can tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions. Very large, wide, spade-shaped basal leaves subtend a 3-8 ft. flowering stalk. Taprooted, slow-to-establish plant which may not flower until the second or third year. Usually does not need support, but often leans. Cut back plant material in the early spring to allow birds to feed on the seedheads during the winter months. Attracts bees, hummingbirds and birds.

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Details

Plant Type

Forbs & Flowers

Conditions

Sun

Dry

Native to Kentucky?

Native to Kentucky

Land Use

Facultative Upland Usually occurs in non-wetlands but may occur in wetlands.

Project Uses

Bioswale / Rain Garden / Green Dry Basin

Upland Restoration

Urban / Tree Box

Tendency to Spread

Low

Height (ft)

5-10

Flower Color

Yellow

Fall Showy?

Flowering Time

July-Sept

Salinity Tolerance

Low Tolerance