Description
Prairie Coneflower
A perfect native for pollinator gardens and restoration sites, Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera) is one of those cheerful wildflowers that signals the arrival of summer. In Boulder, Colorado, its delicate blooms begin appearing in June, adding bright color to roadsides, meadows, and open spaces. Native to much of the United States, this hardy perennial is drought-tolerant and adaptable to a wide range of soils, including gravelly, sandy loam, clay loam, and silty soils.
This iconic prairie flower thrives in meadows, prairies, dry pastures, savannas, plains, and along roadsides and garden borders. The blooms are highly attractive to bees and butterflies and are especially valuable to native bee species. Frequently included in habitat restoration mixes, Prairie Coneflower provides cover and nesting structure for upland birds, while its seeds provide food for native birds and small mammals.
Known for its upright habit, Prairie Coneflower is a graceful and distinctive wildflower. Delicate petals drape downward from the tall central cone like a skirt, creating an airy, almost fairy-like appearance. Flower colors range from bright yellow to warm shades of rusty orange and red. Reaching up to three feet tall, the fine foliage adds a soft texture to the garden. Prairie Coneflower mixes beautifully with other native species and remains competitive even under dry conditions.
An interesting bit of history surrounds this beloved native. Indigenous peoples collected the flower heads to produce an orange dye, and various parts of the plant were traditionally used for medicinal purposes. Today, Prairie Coneflower remains a favorite among gardeners for its long bloom period, drought tolerance, and exceptional value to wildlife and pollinators.
Found in mixes: Drought-Tolerant Wildflowers, Great Plains Native Prairie Wildflowers, Honey Source Mix, Colorado Mix, Rocky Mountain Mix, and more!
Quick Specs:
Origin: Native
Type: Perennial/Biennial
Color: Yellow
Height: 12-36 inches
Width/spread: 12-18 inches
Sunlight: Full
Water: Low
Bloom Season: Early summer to early fall
Planting Time: Late fall to early spring
Zones: 4b-10a
Regions: Canada, the United States
Use: Prairies, meadows, borders, restoration, wildlife habitat, and fairy gardens
Seeds/lbs.: 828,000
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