Compass Plant (Silphilium Laciniatum) is a wild flower native to the prairies of the midwestern US. It also grows in parts of northeast to central US and southeastern Canada. It derives its name from the fact that its leaves align themselves north-south to avoid over-exposure to the parching sun. Despite the abnormally hot, dry conditions that we have been experiencing in Kansas* – the driest in over 50 years, when I photographed them a few days ago these Compass Plants gave all appearances of thriving on the Konza Prairie. I find them to be a fascinating combination of beauty and ruggedness.
*Our official high yesterday was 107 degrees F., though the thermometer in our yard registered a high of 113.2 degrees F. at 4:20 pm. A thunderstorm last night brought only 0.07 inches of rain.
A Taste of Morning 
113.2 degrees F is way too high. Hope the rain comes soon…
It is way too hot. Thank goodness for air conditioning!
Laurie
We haven’t even had a teasing rumble of thunder to look forward to. The plants are lovely–the blooms are delicate but that stem is so hardy. Glad something is thriving in this ridiculous heat wave. I’m definitely not so hardy. Wilting for sure.
I hope that we both get a nice rain sometime soon!
I love it when I learn new things. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment. I am glad that you liked the post!