Also called upright prairie coneflower and Mexican hat, this clump-forming herbaceous perennial is native to much of North American where it grows in prairies, plains, and disturbed areas. It is a member of the aster family, Asteraceae, that also includes daisy, yarrow, and lettuce. The multi branched plants grow 1-3 ‘ high from a taproot and have 5″ long pinnate leaves with 7-9 linear to lance-shaped lobes. The flowerheads appear all summer and consist of a long narrow dark brown center disc up to 2″ long, surrounded by 3-7 drooping bluntly toothed yellow to rust red ray florets. The flowers attract butterflies and the seed heads attract birds. Plants are attractive in borders and wildflower, native plant, wildlife, prairie, meadow, and cottage gardens and the flowers are excellent in the vase. The genus name, Ratibida, is of unknown origin. The specific epithet, columnifera, comes from the Latin words columna meaning column and fero meaning bear or carry, referring to the central disc.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Dark brown center surrounded by 3-7 drooping yellow ray florets all summer
Size: 1-3′ H x 1-1.5′ W
Light: Full sun
Soil: Average, dry to medium moist, well-drained; tolerates lean soil.
Hardiness: Zones 4-9
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Seed; plants do not transplant well
Companion Plants: Liatris spicata, goldenrod (Solidago speciosa), Mexican feather grass
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Karen