Prairie Coneflower

Scientific name

Ratibida columnifera

Description

The Prairie Coneflower is a perennial wildflower species that can grow up to 1 m in height. This plant may also be known by the common names: Upright Coneflower, Longheaded Coneflower, or Mexican Hat. The leaves are up to 15 cm long, have entire margins, and are pinnately divided into narrow lobes that give the appearance that the leaf is compound. The flowers are dark red and/or yellow in colour, have drooping petals, have a long cylindrical center disk, appear on a long leafless stalk, and bloom between May and September. This plant is beneficial for pollinator species, like bees and butterflies. This wildflower grows easily, quickly, and blooms for long periods. It is quite hardy and suggested for re-vegetating difficult or disturbed sites.

Planting conditions

Prairie Coneflower grows best in dry to moist conditions with full or partial sun exposure. It can grow well in a variety of soil types. It is very tolerant of drought due to its deep taproot but young plants should be watered occasionally until established. It is also tolerant of competition but may spread aggressively and out compete other plants. This wildflower can be naturally found in dry meadows, prairies, in roadside ditches, or along dry shoreline slopes.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Max 1.5m
  • Max 2m
  • Max 3m
  • Any
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Drought Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Wildflower
• Eco Zone:
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
  • 8a
  • 8b
• Plant type:
  • Wildflower
• Height:
  • 1 m
• Spread:
  • 0.5 m