Silphium terebinthinaceum Prairie Dock

Ohio Native Plant Natural Range

To view the natural range of Prairie Dock visit the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service website.
🌻Thank you Becky, inaturalist.org, CreativeCommons
Prairie Dock leaves make a bold "fashion" statement


Cultivation Information Prairie Dock

Sun - Full to part sunHeight - 6 to 9 ftFlower Color - Yellow - Blooms - July to September - Typically, in their third seasonHardy Zone - 4 to 8 Perennial
Leaves - Basal Leaves are Huge (12 in wide to 16 long) Give them Space - I have found they are slow to return in the spring and are easily over shadowed by other native plants. Two to three feet circumference would be ideal. Soil - Average - Handles Drought well Taproot - With a taproot that up to 14 ft deep, it is no wonder they can handle a drought situation well. Keep this in mind when designing your garden. Family - Asteraceae
Seed Provenance Silphium terebinthinaceum
Nodding Onion Gardens - 2022 - present - Prairie Moon Nursery, Winona, MN - 2021. Initial Plant Lifestyle Landscaping
Prairie Dock early spring
Wildlife Significance Silphium terebinthinaceum
Long-tongued bees - honeybees, bumblebees, and Miner bee Insects - Bee flies, butterflies, moths, beneficial wasps and beetles Prairie Dock Seeds - Birds are Crazy about Prairie Dock seeds. As the day grows shorter, insects attracted to this late season bloomer provide a consistent source of protein for songbirds, quail and wild pheasant. Like other native plants, stems and leaves are a source of nest building material. Hummingbirds - Frequent visitors Deer - The rough surface of the leaves is not appealing to deer and other mammals. Although. if they are hungry enough it will due. For detailed information visit the Illinois Wildflower website
Propagation Notes Prairie Dock
Seed Stratification
Germination - Seed requires 60 days of cold moist storage
 Seed was stored in a plastic bag, mixed with vermiculite, for two months. Vermiculite maintains moisture and help prevent molding.
Collecting Seed - Collecting seed from Prairie Dock can be challenging, as Goldfinches and other songbirds gobble the seed up as quickly as it matures. Placing small onion or garlic bags over a few flowers once you are certain they have been pollinated ensures adequate harvest. Also, collect only what you need, leaving an equal bounty for wildlife.
Indentifying Characteristics
Second Year Plants
Early Spring