Prairie Dock

Silphium terebinthinaceum

Description & Overview

Portraying large leaves with a rhubarb-like appearance, Prairie Dock is a statement native that will flaunt its blooms through October. This beautiful fall-blooming perennial will give life to an otherwise fading garden during the chilly months of September and October. Once established, Prairie Dock will be a maintenance-free tall accent to add as a backdrop or focal point to a native wildflower garden, prairie, or roadside.

Core Characteristics

Suggested Uses:

Site Silphium terebinthinaceum in a moist location with a deep loamy soil. Prairie Dock is able to withstand drought and slightly dry conditions which makes rocky or tough sites suitable. The 12’ taproot makes it slightly more adaptable to drier climates. If the soil below the surface can stay moist, the taproot will be able to gather up the nutrients and survive the drought conditions.

Prairie Dock works well as a backdrop in perennial gardens. The large dandelion-like, yellow blooms are prolific well into the fall seasons. Silphium terebinthinaceum does well along roadsides, within grasses, and in many other prairie settings. Full sun is required in the planting location, once established this plant will take care of itself and be a staple of the garden, prairie, or any suitable location!

Wildlife Value:

Prairie Dock is a wonderful source of nectar for pollinators, especially monarchs who are getting ready to migrate. Learn more about how to attract monarch to your yard.

Long-tongued bees, such as honeybees, bumblebees, and miner bees rely on Prairie Dock, the flower can also attract other species of wildlife. Hummingbirds and bee flies will be frequent visitors. The larvae of some beetles can burrow into the stem, causing no harm to the plant. Many other Wisconsin native insects will feed on the leaves and flowers, and while this may cause an unsightly appearance, this is beneficial to our native ecosystem; Prairie Dock will sustain through the damages.

Maintenance Tips:

Once established, Prairie Dock requires minimal care. The long taproot makes watering less of an issue than other fibrous-rooted species. During periods of drought, watering every couple of days will help keep the plant healthy. It may take Prairie Dock two or three years to flower; this should not be alarming, it’s expected for this plant in early youth.

Pests/Problems:

Prairie Dock is a long-lived plant, the long taproot makes the species strong against pests and conditions. In certain years the plant will endure some insect setbacks; however, this will not affect the longevity of the plant.

The long petiole (sometimes 6” long) may cause the plant to become top-heavy and fall over in strong winds or when the plant is in full bloom.

Brown leaves or patches of brown can be a sign that the plant is enduring a drought or another environmental element (wind, climate, animals, etc.).

Leaf Lore:

The Silphion genus comes from the American resin bearing plant, that has been used as a chewing gum throughout the early centuries. The species name terebinthinaceum is another name for turpentine, which is also in reference to the aromatic stem resins.

Companion Plants:

Native grasses are a perfect companion to pair with Prairie Dock. Native Big Bluestem (Andropogon geradii), Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Bottlebrush Grass (Elymus hysrtix) will be great accents to show-off alongside Prairie Dock. Other native perennials from the Silphium genus, Ascelpias genus and plants like Meadow Rue (Thalictrum dasycarpum) and Ironweed (Vernonia fasciculata) work as accompanying tall accents.

PRAIRIE DOCK BENCHCARD