Ratibida pinnata aka Drooping Prairie Coneflower

Ratibida pinnata is a perennial in the daisy family. Its common names include yellow coneflower and gray-headed coneflower. It comes from southeastern Canada and central and eastern America. It grows in prairies, fields, and dry, open woods. In Missouri, it also grows beside roads and rail tracks. This plant spreads from rhizomes and forms an upright clump.

Garden plants grow 3–5 feet (0.91–1.52 metres) tall. They can spread to 2 feet (0.61 metres). RHS gives a smaller spread, up to 1.6 feet (0.5 metres). The tall stems have fine ridges and hairs. Green leaves feel rough and have stiff, pale hairs. Each pinnate leaf has three to seven main sections. Some sections divide again, giving the leaves a fine-cut look. The largest leaves grow near the base of the plant. Smaller, sparse leaves grow farther up the stems. The plant loses its leaves during the dormant season.

Yellow flower heads rise on long stems through the summer. Missouri Botanical Garden lists flowering from June to August. RHS notes that bloom can last into autumn. Long yellow ray florets hang down around the raised center. The center holds many small disk florets. Sources describe its color as gray or reddish brown. Bruising the disk releases an anise scent. The disk flowers form small, dry fruits called achenes. Goldfinches eat the seeds, while bees visit the flowers. The plant also hosts silvery checkerspot butterflies and some moths.

Grow this coneflower in full sun and soil that drains well. It can also grow in partial shade. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and poor soil. Dry to moist conditions suit it, though established plants resist drought. RHS recommends neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Avoid too much water or fertilizer, as NC State advises. USDA zones 3–8 suit it, and RHS rates it H6. Plants reach their mature size in one to two years. Grow new plants from seed or divide existing clumps.

Use it in meadow plantings, native gardens, or sunny borders. Groups work well because single plants have few stem leaves. Its flowers also suit cutting and butterfly gardens. Tall stems can flop and may need support. Nearby larger shrubs can help hold them upright. RHS says it needs no pruning. Sources report few major pest or disease problems. NC State also flags southern blight and deer as possible concerns.