Ratibida pinnata aka Drooping Prairie Coneflower

Taxonomy

Ratibida pinnata, also known as pinnate prairie coneflower, gray-head coneflower, yellow coneflower, and prairie coneflower, is a stout-stemmed, branching perennial herb native to the central and eastern United States and Ontario in Canada. This upright plant can grow over one meter in height and has rough-haired, glandular leaves that are divided into several large lance-shaped or oval lobes. It produces tall inflorescences with daisy-like flowerheads up to 12cm across, consisting of bright yellow, drooping ray florets surrounding a prominent red-brown cone. Each flower head contains up to 15 yellow ray florets, while the center of the flower is globular or oval in shape and covered in numerous yellow-green to purplish disc florets. Ratibida pinnata thrives in prairies, woodland edges, and roadside areas, adapting well to both moist and dry habitats. It is a hardy plant that can withstand competition from other species. In addition to its ornamental value in gardens, this plant attracts butterflies and birds. Cultivars such as 'Sunglow' are also available.

Common names

Drooping Prairie Coneflower, Grey Head Coneflower, Gray Head Prairie Coneflower, Pinnate Prairie Coneflower, Pinnate Leaf Prairie Coneflower

How to care for Drooping Prairie Coneflower

Difficulty

Caring for Drooping Prairie Coneflower is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Drooping Prairie Coneflower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Drooping Prairie Coneflower requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Grey Headed Prairie Coneflower is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Drooping Prairie Coneflower as it grows vertically.


More info:
Wikipedia