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Native Plant Society of Texas

White Rosinweed

Silphium albiflorum

Other common name(s):

Compass Plant, White-flowered Rosinweed

Family:

Asteraceae (Aster Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Central Great Plains, Cross Timbers, Edwards Plateau
Limestone Plains
Carbonate Cross Timbers, Eastern Cross Timbers, Grand Prairie, Limestone Cut Plain, Western Cross Timbers
Balcones Canyonlands

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
3
ft.

Spread

1
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Calcareous, Dry, Gravelly, Limestone, Sand

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen, Seeds

Wildlife Benefit

Bees, Birds, Butterflies, Nectar Insects

Maintenance

Endemic to Texas. Drought tolerant, due to its long tap root. Extremely long-lived perennial. Has been known to adapt to gardens with clay or loam soils if there is good drainage. Works well in rock gardens and rocky hillsides. Native habitat: dry, gravelly, limestone-based soil.

Description

Blooms May-August. Named Compass Plant because its leaves always align in a north-south direction, exposing their large, flat surfaces to as much sun as possible. Large, white, daisy-like blooms grow up and down the stem. The taproot can reach 15 feet long and grow right out of rock. The fruit is a cypsela: a dry, one-seeded fruit, usually topped by pappus. Important for pollinator species because it blooms in the hottest time of the year when resources are scarce.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Root Division Replant each section into well-draining soil. The divided sections can then be planted in their own pots or directly into the soil, and water thoroughly. This method should be done in the spring or early fall when the plant is still dormant. Carefully dig up the plant and separate the roots into smaller sections with a sharp, sterile tool. Each section should have at least a few healthy roots and some green growth. 1) https://www.botanikks.com/plants/silphium-albiflorum-gray/507678/1 2) https://plantiary.com/plant/silphium-albiflorum_33773.html
Stem Cutting Remove any leaves from the lower third of the stem and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Plant the stem into well-draining soil and keep it moist in a warm and humid environment. Propagation should be done in the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing. Choose a healthy stem and cut it at an angle into 6-inch sections with clean, sharp scissors. 1) https://www.botanikks.com/plants/silphium-albiflorum-gray/507678/1 2) https://plantiary.com/plant/silphium-albiflorum_33773.html
Seed No Treatment Sow the collected seeds on the surface of the soil in early spring. Lightly press them into the soil but do not cover them as white rosinweed seeds require light to germinate. Ensure the seeds are kept moist until germination. It can take up to two years for the seedlings to reach maturity. Collect seeds from mature white rosinweed flower heads once they have dried out. Ensure seeds are fully dried for better viability. 1) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Silphium_albiflorum.html 2) https://www.selinawamucii.com/plants/asteraceae/silphium-albiflorum/

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason