Upright Prairie Coneflower
Ratibida columnifera
Also listed as Lepachys columnifera, Ratibida columnaris
Also known as Mexican Hat, Prairie Coneflower, Long-headed Coneflower
Climate Match for your location
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Upright prairie coneflower is a native wildflower with distinctive drooping petals (typically red, orange, or yellow) surrounding a prominent columnar brown center. It thrives in dry, sunny conditions and attracts pollinators throughout the summer.
Why grow it
Ratibida columnifera offers reliable summer-long blooms in lean soils where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for low-input gardens and prairie restorations. Its tolerance for drought and poor fertility distinguishes it from hybrid coneflowers that typically demand richer conditions. The plant's extended flowering period and straightforward establishment from seed also reduce ongoing management compared to comparable native perennials.
Watch out for
In wetter climates or poorly drained soils, root rot can develop over winter, so ensure sharp drainage or treat as an annual in humid regions. Plants may self-seed prolifically if spent flowers are not removed, which can overwhelm nearby plantings in smaller garden spaces.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Great Plains and western North America
Native to: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming
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
Upright prairie coneflower is a native wildflower with distinctive drooping petals (typically red, orange, or yellow) surrounding a prominent columnar brown center. It thrives in dry, sunny conditions and attracts pollinators throughout the summer.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Upright Prairie Coneflower grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Ratibida columnifera offers reliable summer-long blooms in lean soils where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for low-input gardens and prairie restorations. Its tolerance for drought and poor fertility distinguishes it from hybrid coneflowers that typically demand richer conditions. The plant's extended flowering period and straightforward establishment from seed also reduce ongoing management compared to comparable native perennials.
Watch out for
In wetter climates or poorly drained soils, root rot can develop over winter, so ensure sharp drainage or treat as an annual in humid regions. Plants may self-seed prolifically if spent flowers are not removed, which can overwhelm nearby plantings in smaller garden spaces.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Asteraceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Great Plains and western North America
Native to: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming
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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