Prairie Coneflower

Ratibida columnifera is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it a popular choice for xeriscaping and native prairie restorations. It naturally thrives in the dry, open conditions of the North American Great Plains.

Prairie Coneflower typically features drooping ray petals in shades of solid yellow, solid reddish-brown, or a bicolored combination of yellow and red. The distinctive tall, cylindrical central cone that gives the plant its name is usually grayish-green to dark brown.

Ratibida columnifera generally reaches 1 to 3 feet in height, with the prominent central cone adding to its upright, slender silhouette. It blooms profusely from early to late summer, attracting bees and butterflies throughout the season.

Yes, Prairie Coneflower is a valuable nectar source for native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Its seeds also attract finches and other small songbirds in the late summer and fall.