Very large prairie plant distinquished by its large basal fern-like foliage & remarkable stature. Leaves become much smaller as they asend up the stem. 
Clusters of 3-4 inch flowers resembling wild sunflowers perch on short branched stems at the top of a very tall sturdy stem. This plant can live up to 100 yrs old.
The large taproot can extent 15 ft into the ground. Prefers moist to slightly dry conditions. Deep loamy soil is best for the cental taproot. 
Long-tongued bees such as Bumblebees, Minor bees & Leaf-Cutting bees are the best for pollination of the compass plant, also visited by Monarch butterflies.
Host plant for many insects. Common name derives from the leaves pointing in a north-south direction to avoid direct rays from the midday sun. 
Blooms in full sun July-Sept. Ranges from 6-12 ft tall.