Ratibida pinnata
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Tried and True Recommended by 4 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: grey-head coneflower
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Zone: 3 to 8
Native Range: Central North Ameica
Garden Location: Lucy and Stanley Lopata Prairie Garden, Suzanne Stagg Wright Rock Garden
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Description: Yellow
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Drought

Culture

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers clay or sandy soils. Tolerates poor, dry soils.

Noteworthy Characteristics

This gray headed coneflower is a Missouri native plant which typically occurs in dry woods, prairies and along railroad tracks and roads. A somewhat rough-looking plant that features pinnately divided leaves (to 5" long) on stiff stems growing 3-5' tall. The composite flowers have a dull-gray central disk in the shape of an elongated cylinder (1 inch long), somewhat resembling the crown of a slender sombrero. When bruised, the disk smells of anise. Attached to the bottom of the disk is a brim of 3-7, extremely reflexed (downward pointing), bright yellow ray flowers (to 3" long). Species name of pinnata is in reference to the pinnate leaves. Long summer bloom period.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. May need staking or other support.

Garden Uses

Interesting plant for the sunny border, native plant garden, meadow or prairie. Best massed because individual plants are narrow and somewhat sparsely leafed.

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