Upright Prairie Coneflower
Ratibida columnifera (Nutt.) Wooten & Standley
This short-lived but colorful plant has a long bloom period in late summer in higher-elevation areas. Flower color ranges from yellow to burnt orange, with a characteristic elongated central disc. The long disc and colorful, drooping petals have given this plant its other common name, Mexican hat. This species reseeds moderately; seedlings can be tricky to transplant. Coming in contact with the leaves can cause a skin rash (dermatitis) in some susceptible folks.
Height: 18-24”
Width: 18-24”
Water needs: dry to moderately moist
Exposure: full sun
Availability in nurseries: common, can easily be started from seed
Native range: most of the U.S. and Canada (WY native)
Plant family: Asteraceae
Photo by Jennifer Thompson
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