A behemoth Missouri native perennial, Prairie Dock, Silphium terebinthinaceum, has the looks of an exotic tropical that makes a magnificent specimen in the sunny landscape. From a cluster of massive 2′ deep green leaves majestic 8-10′, almost leafless stems arise that are topped with 3″ yellow daisies. Works well in the back of the border, or up front where its giant leaves can show off. Although it grows tall, it only grows 1-3′ wide. An excellent native that works well in wildflower, cottage and butterfly gardens. Goldfinch adore its seeds.

Being a plant with a long taproot, it is slow to establish, and does not like to be moved. Once settled in Prairie Dock is drought tolerant and long-lived. It flowers July to September. Native to limestone prairies and glades, it tolerates drought, and its foliage is rarely bothered by disease. It prefers full sun.