Upright Prairie Coneflower

(Ratibida columnifera)

Upright Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ratibida columnifera, commonly known as upright prairie coneflower or Mexican hat, is a perennial herb native to North America, where it thrives in prairies, plains, and grasslands, as well as in disturbed areas such as roadsides. It is found from southern Canada through most of the United States to northern Mexico. This species typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) with a spread of 0.5-2 feet (0.15-0.6 meters). The plant features distinctive long, drooping yellow petals and a tall, central brown or maroon cone, giving it the appearance of a sombrero, which is particularly showy from mid-summer to early fall.

Upright prairie coneflower is valued for its unique flower form and its ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is often used in wildflower gardens, naturalized areas, and as a border plant. This drought-tolerant species prefers full sun and can adapt to a range of soil types, though it flourishes in well-drained soils. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal supplemental watering once established. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from fungal diseases in humid conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-3 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Orange, Red, Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Prairies, plains, and grasslands

Other Names

Common Names: Longhead-Coneflower , Prairie-Coneflower , Redspike Mexican Hat , Thimble-Flower , Upright Prairie-Coneflower , Long-Head Coneflower , Prairie Coneflower , Länglicher Präriesonnenhut , Mexikohatt

Scientific Names: Ratibida columnifera , Ratibida columnaris , Rudbeckia columnifera , Lepachys columnaris , Rudbeckia columnaris , Lepachys columnifera , Ratibida columnifera var. columnifera , Obeliscaria columnaris , Ratibida columnaris f. denudata , Ratibida columnaris f. pulcherrima

GBIF Accepted Name: Ratibida columnifera (Nutt.) Wooton & Standl.