Nature Walk: Compass Plants

Compass plants are one of the most distinctive features of the mid-continent tallgrass prairie, growing in both wet and dry areas. They seem to flourish where the soil is moderately wet or, in botanical terms, mesic. As a long-lived perennial they require a number of years to mature and produce a flower stalk. Young plants, those that are three or four years old, may have only one flower stalk, while those 10 or more years of age may have more than a half dozen. It appears the compass plant is sensitive to changing weather conditions and some years the plant stores food reserves rather than producing flowers and seeds.