Ratibida columnifera - Prairie Coneflower

Sizes available: TBD

Basics: zones 3-9, 1-3' x 1-1.5', full to part sun, deeply reflexed yellow petals around a tall, narrow cone of tiny florets blooms mid summer to early fall, prefers average moisture to a drier site, is drought tolerant once established, and may enjoy a calcareous soil.

Common names: Prairie Coneflower. Mexican Hat, Upright Prairie Coneflower, Macoun's Rabbit Tobacco, Rocketflower, Long-headed Coneflower, Thimbleflower

Family: Asteraceae

Origin/Distribution: Its native distribution is southeastern British Columbia south to Arizona into Mexico and east to Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Has naturalized east of its native range including in Connecticut and Massachusetts. 

Habitat: Found in grassland of all types, on roadsides, and in disturbed areas.

More: This is a competitive, fast growing self-seeder that may behave as an annual or biennial as plants classified "short-lived perennials" are sometimes inclined to do. The  cone of fertile florets starts out light green and ripens to dark brown. The dried stems look attractive standing in the late season garden. This plant is a good nectar source, has been used medicinally, and makes a good cut flower either fresh or dried. Ratibida columnifera forma columnifera has yellow rays and Ratibida columnifera forma pulcherrima has red-brown rays.

Source: sown at Honey Petal Plants with seed collected at Honey Petal Plants or seed from Select Seeds

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons