Ratibida tagetes, commonly known as Mexican Hat or Prairie Coneflower, is a perennial herb native to prairie and open grassland habitats in the central United States and northern Mexico. It typically grows to heights of up to 3 feet with a spread of 1 to 2 feet. The plant is characterized by its distinctive flower heads, which feature long, drooping yellow petals surrounding a tall, columnar central cone that is brown or red. These flowers bloom from early summer to fall and are quite showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Mexican Hat is valued for its long blooming season, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for wildflower gardens, naturalized areas, and xeriscaping. It is also used in borders and as a cut flower due to its unique appearance. In cultivation, it requires full sun and well-drained soil, but once established, it is low maintenance and can handle periods of drought. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from fungal issues in overly moist conditions. Mexican Hat is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems.CC BY-SA 4.0