Prairie Dock

Notes:

Prairie dock is a tall, rough, native perennial which occurs in limestone prairies and glades. From a basal clump of huge oval to heart-shaped, dark green leaves (to 2' long) rise smooth, almost leafless stems branching at the top to a height of 10' tall. Sunflower-like flowers (to 3" wide) with yellow rays and yellow center disks bloom in loose clusters on the upper parts of the plant in mid to late summer. Species name comes from Greek meaning "like turpentine" in reference to the aromatic stem resins. Many of the silphiums are commonly called rosinweed.