Culture: Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers clay or sandy soils. Tolerates poor, dry soils.
Noteworthy Characteristics: Ratibida pinnata, commonly called 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). Long summer bloom period.
Genus name of uncertain origin.
Specific epithet is in reference to the pinnate leaves.
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.
Yellow Coneflower is native to dry prairies and savannas. It has stiff and rough-feeling coarse leaves, and showy yellow flowers which have droopy soft yellow rays. The cone-like green centers eventually change to a dark purple or brown. Many insects are attracted to this plant such as butterflies and bees. It grows and transplants very easily, is drought-tolerant, and makes an excellent cut flower. Yellow Coneflower grows best in full sun to partial shade, and medium to dry medium soil conditions. It blooms approximately from July to September. There are many good native companions for Ratibida pinnata blooming at the same time such as Wild Bergamot, Anise Hyssop, and many of the prairie grasses. Other common names are Drooping Coneflower, Pinnate Prairie Coneflower, Weary Susan, Grayhead Coneflower and Grey-headed Coneflower.
