Ratibida pinnata, Gray-headed Coneflower
Gray-headed Coneflower grows well in dry prairies and sunny savannas. It's basal leaves are deeply divided with fewer leaves ascending the stalk. The cone-like green centers eventually change
to a maroon-brown. It grows easily, is
drought-tolerant, and makes an excellent cut flower. To remain perfectly upright, it requires full sun and poorer soils, but will flower in part sun. Abundant flowers mid to late summer make this an excellent back-of-the-prairie-garden plant.
Blooms: yellow, July to September
Height: 4-6 feet
Conditions: full sun, dry to medium soils