Planting and Growing the Prairie Coneflower

Also called the Mexican hat, thimbleflower, red-spike Mexican hat, and the long-headed coneflower, this is a member of the aster family of plants. It is native to the United States. Botanically, it is listed as Ratibida columnifera and its synonym Ratibida columnaris.

Prairie Coneflower Description

Growing up to three feet high but usually only to one-and-a-half feet high, this perennial as drooping ray flowers and leafless stalks. Blooms are yellow with red-brown central disks. Some flowers are red and yellow. Leaves are on the lower part of the plant and are green. Bloom season is between May and October. With the drooping petals and high central disk, it does look like a small hat.

Growing Guide

The prairie coneflower prefers to grow in full sun with a dry or moist well-drained soil that is nearly neutral in pH. It has a high drought tolerance. It is fast growing with a showy bloom season. Propagate by seed in the spring or fall. Seeds may need nine weeks of cool stratification.

Distribution

This native is found in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, West Virginia, and Wyoming. It is seen in prairies, meadows, pastures, plains, and roadsides.

Medicinal Uses

Leaves and stalks are made into a tea for an herbal remedy for side pain and for stomach aches. Flower tea is purported to be for headaches. Snakebite and poison ivy washes were made from boiling the leaves and stalks.

Other Uses

It is a great inclusion in wildflower meadows, perennial gardens, a container plant for patios, and to bring wildlife into the landscape. Butterflies adore the nectar and seeds are a favorite of birds. Deer often eat flowers.

Source: NPIN