Rosinwood, Compass plant
Silphium laciniatum
Family: Asteraceae
What it is like
A daisy family plant. It grows 1.5-3 m high and spreads 0.9-1.2 m wide. It is strongly erect and hairy. The leaves are feather like and 10-40 cm long. They align north/south. The flowers are bright yellow and in clusters. The flower heads are 5 cm wide.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 4-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, India, North America, USA
How it is used for food
The sap from the upper part of the flower stalk is used as a chewing gum.
It is chewed especially by children.
Edible parts
Sap, flower stalks