Ratibida columnifera aka Longhead Coneflower

Ratibida columnifera is a perennial in the daisy family. Common names include Mexican hat and long-headed coneflower. Its native range runs from Canada through the United States to Mexico. It grows on dry plains, in prairies, and in ravines. It also grows in fields and dry, open woods. Some sites have sandy, silty, or rocky ground. Its tall flower centre gives the plant its name.

The plant forms upright clumps and spreads through rhizomes. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. The RHS describes plants around 2.6 feet [0.8 metre] tall. Clumps spread about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metre] wide. Thin stems branch above green leaves with fine divisions. Each compound leaf has three to seven main parts. The leaves give the clump a light, feathery look. The plant loses its leaves during the dormant season. Plants reach their full size in one to two years.

Flowering runs from early summer into early autumn. Chicago Botanic Garden lists a wider season, from May through October. The flowerheads can span about 0.26 feet [0.08 metre]. Drooping ray florets surround a tall column of disk flowers. Ray colours include yellow, red, and brownish red. Some have yellow tips or combine red and yellow. The darker disk flowers open first near the column's base. More flowers open up the column as the head ages. Bees and butterflies visit the blooms, which also suit cutting.

Give this plant full sun and soil that drains well. It can also grow in part shade, according to NC State. The RHS favours neutral to mildly alkaline soil. Sandy loam and clay loam suit it, but heavy clay does not. It tolerates poor soil and drought once its roots establish. Dry to moist conditions suit it without much extra watering. Sources place it in USDA zones 3–7 or 4–9. The RHS rates its UK hardiness as H6. Grow it from seed or divide established clumps.

Use it in sunny borders, gravel beds, or meadow plantings. Groups work better than single plants, which can look sparse. Sources report few major pest or disease problems. The RHS says it needs no pruning. PFAF records leaves and flowerheads as ingredients for tea. It also notes traditional medicinal uses for leaves and stems. These records do not establish medical benefit or safe treatment. PFAF lists no known hazards, rather than proof of safety.