Grey-headed Coneflower
Ratibida pinnata
Also listed as Lepachys pinnata, Rudbeckia pinnata
Also known as Gray-headed Coneflower, Grayhead Coneflower, Grey-headed Prairie Coneflower
Climate Match for your location
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A native wildflower with distinctive grey-headed cone centers surrounded by yellow drooping petals that bloom mid to late summer. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
Why grow it
Grey-headed coneflower is a reliable choice where you want a mid-height native perennial with extended summer bloom and minimal water needs once established. Compared to other Ratibida species, it offers a more upright habit and larger flower heads, making it more visible in mixed plantings. Its combination of drought tolerance and pollinator appeal makes it useful for water-conserving gardens without sacrificing ecological value.
Watch out for
Plants can take two years to reach full size and flowering capacity, so patience is needed during establishment. In heavy clay soils without good drainage, roots may struggle, particularly in winter; amending with coarse material can help. Deadheading spent flowers extends bloom but is optional if you want self-seeding.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Central and eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A native wildflower with distinctive grey-headed cone centers surrounded by yellow drooping petals that bloom mid to late summer. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, attracting butterflies and other pollinators.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Grey-headed Coneflower grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Grey-headed coneflower is a reliable choice where you want a mid-height native perennial with extended summer bloom and minimal water needs once established. Compared to other Ratibida species, it offers a more upright habit and larger flower heads, making it more visible in mixed plantings. Its combination of drought tolerance and pollinator appeal makes it useful for water-conserving gardens without sacrificing ecological value.
Watch out for
Plants can take two years to reach full size and flowering capacity, so patience is needed during establishment. In heavy clay soils without good drainage, roots may struggle, particularly in winter; amending with coarse material can help. Deadheading spent flowers extends bloom but is optional if you want self-seeding.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Central and eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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