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Glite Dictionary
compass plant

compass plant

9.9
A North American prairie plant with long leaves that point north and south and bright red flowers
  • noun
  • /ˈkʌmpəs plænt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : planta brújula
  • Gardeners often plant the compass plant for its hardiness and unique leaf alignment.

Examples

  • Because it thrives in prairie settings, the compass plant is a favorite in restoration projects.

  • The compass plant is unique for its directional leaves.

  • The compass plant is easily recognized by its tall stalk and vivid flowers.

  • Many hikers rely on the compass plant to navigate.

  • The compass plant is easily recognized by its leaves that align north and south.

  • Many hikers rely on the compass plant to navigate through the prairies.

  • The compass plant blooms with striking red flowers in the summer.

Synonyms

Silphium laciniatum
vscompass plant
  • Specialized
9.9

A tall North American plant with large yellow flowers whose long leaves point north and south

is described as having red or rose flowers instead of yellow ones
compass flower
vscompass plant
  • Specialized
9.9

A plant whose leaves point north and south

is a particular North American species with red flowers rather than many kinds

Surface Forms

compass plant singular
compass plants plural

Morphology

compass + plant

The compound follows a straightforward attributive noun pattern (compass + plant) so a learner who knows 'compass' and 'plant' can infer it is a plant related to indicating direction. While botanical specifics (e.g. leaves aligning north–south) are extra detail, the basic meaning 'a plant that functions like a compass / indicates direction' is directly derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

The plant compass plant gets its name from its long leaves, which usually line up north and south like a small living compass. So people used it to 'find north', and that is why the name refers to its directional leaves.