Ratibida pinnata

Ratibida pinnata, or grey-head coneflower, is a Missouri native plant which typically occurs in dry woods, prairies and along railroad tracks and roads. Tall and thinly foliaged, prairie coneflower shines in the meadow from summer to fall as it shows off its yellow petaled flowers. Stem tips bear an egg-shaped cone that is first silvery green as the yellow petals unfurl around it. With age, the petals become brighter golden yellow and hang more downward as the cone becomes a chocolately brown.

Butterflies love this flower! Ratibida pinnata looks most beautiful in large plantings among other meadow flowers and ornamental grasses. The flowers are long lasting and lovely in floral arrangements.

Grey-head Coneflower Growing and Maintenance Tips:

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers clay or sandy soils. Tolerates poor, dry soils. Best massed because individual plants are narrow and somewhat sparsely leafed.