Ratibida columnifera, commonly known as prairie coneflower or Mexican hat, stands out with its striking, drooping petals that surround a tall, elongated central cone. The deep red, yellow, or bi-colored blooms create a dynamic contrast against its finely cut foliage, giving it a wild yet elegant presence in any landscape. Historically, various Indigenous groups have utilized parts of this plant for practical applications, appreciating its natural properties. In garden and prairie settings, it thrives in drifts or as a matrix plant, lending a rhythmic movement to meadows and borders. Its drought tolerance and long bloom period make it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly landscapes, attracting bees and butterflies while adding structural diversity to planting schemes.
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Moisture: Medium-Dry, Dry
Bloom Time: Summer
Height: 1-3 ft
Wetland Status: UPL
Host Plant For: Dainty sulphur (Nathalis iole)
Ratibida columnifera, commonly known as prairie coneflower or Mexican hat, stands out with its striking, drooping petals that surround a tall, elongated central cone. The deep red, yellow, or bi-colored blooms create a dynamic contrast against its finely cut foliage, giving it a wild yet elegant presence in any landscape. Historically, various Indigenous groups have utilized parts of this plant for practical applications, appreciating its natural properties. In garden and prairie settings, it thrives in drifts or as a matrix plant, lending a rhythmic movement to meadows and borders. Its drought tolerance and long bloom period make it an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly landscapes, attracting bees and butterflies while adding structural diversity to planting schemes.
Sun Exposure: Full, Partial
Soil Moisture: Medium-Dry, Dry
Bloom Time: Summer
Height: 1-3 ft
Wetland Status: UPL
Host Plant For: Dainty sulphur (Nathalis iole)
