Prairie coneflower is commonly recommended as an ornamental wildflower in pollinator friendly, low maintenance or natural landscapes. With just a little moisture, the most widespread and colorful variety, Ratibida columnifera (Mexican hat), can bloom from late spring through the end of summer. The nectar produced by this plant attracts a diversity of native bees and butterflies.

 

Native Regions

Nationwide, Canada and the United States, except Washington, Oregon and Nevada

 

Availability

Prairie coneflower is a drought-tolerant wildflower that does well on a variety of soil types, including loams and rocky to gravelly-sandy textures and thrives in open sunny areas. The most common species, Ratibida columnifera (Mexican hat), is widely available as a long-blooming ornamental for North American gardens.

 

Duration

Perennial

 

Bloom Time

Early through late summer

 

Average Height

2 feet

 

Flower Color

Yellow

Red

 

Exposure

Full sun

 

Water Requirements

Dry to average

 

Recommended Species

Ratibida columnifera (Mexican hat) is a native, drought-tolerant wildflower of the Great Plains that is commonly found from south central Canada to northern Mexico. It is a fast-growing, sun-loving wildflower that is not fussy about soils, requires little moisture and is easy to grow from seed. The showy flowers bloom over a long season, from late spring to early fall and offer a good source of nectar to many species of native bees. This plant typically grows to about 2 feet, is widely available and is ideal for habitat gardens in many regions of North America.

 

Ratibida pinnata (yellow coneflower, pinnate prairie coneflower) is most commonly associated with the prairie regions of the central United States, but is also found up and down the east coast from Vermont to Florida and westward to Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska. Taller than Mexican hat, this species can grow 3-4 feet in height. Yellow coneflower produces an attractive and distinct yellow flower that is easily grown in garden settings. It can tolerate a variety of soil conditions, including clay. The flowers attract both native bees and butterflies throughout the summer and its seeds are highly desired by birds in the late fall. It is routinely available from nurseries located in appropriate growing regions.