Ratibida pinnata
low
yellow
July and August
3 to 5 ft.
2 to 3 ft.
No
Great Plains and eastern US
sun
USDA zones 3-7
not specified
Gray-headed prairie coneflower is a mid-western native wildflower. In July and August, it produces tall, narrow flower stalks that are topped by a yellow flower. Each flower has a tall center and drooping yellow petals.
It is a good plant for adding late summer color to the middle of flower beds. It also attracts butterflies when blooming and birds when the seeds mature in fall. It is taller and narrower than prairie coneflower, plus the petals are more droopy.
Gray-headed prairie coneflower is a nice bloomer at the Xeriscape Demonstration Garden. The leaves are not that noticeable, but the flowers rise above the leaves on sturdy stalks, adding beautiful color to the late summer garden.
It has proven to be a very tough plant that performs well when given a little extra moisture than Colorado Springs naturally receives.
Cut old growth to ground level in late winter. Spent flower stalks may be removed after the blooms have faded, or they may be left on the plant to allow birds to eat the seeds in the fall. Spreads by seed.