Ratibida pinnata, Gray-headed Coneflower

Gray-headed Coneflower with Eastern Purple 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