Asteraceae
yellow coneflower
Ratibida pinnata
Other Common Names
globular prairie coneflower, grey-headed coneflower, drooping coneflower
Plant Type
Herbaceous Wildflower
Life Cycle
Perennial
Typical Size
3-5 ft. tall
1.5-2 ft. wide
Tolerant of
Drought
Inolerant of
Poorly Drained Soil
Propagation
By seed, By division
Plant Propagation Notes
Cold moist stratify seeds for 90 days.
Plant Planting Notes
Provide up to 2 ft spacing.
Plants/Diseases
No significant disease or pest issues.
Wildlife Benefits
Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae
Leaves
Leaves alternate, elliptical to lanceolate, deeply lobed with entire or dentate margins.
Flowers
Heads with downward drooping (reflexed) yellow ray flowers and dark disc flowers in a globular arrangement.
Fruit
Achene.
Toxicity
No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Light Exposure
Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Soil Moisture
Moist
Soil Drainage
Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)
Native in South Carolina?
Yes
Plant Native Habitat
Prairies, oak savannas, disturbed areas.
Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)
Secure (G5)
Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)
Not Listed
Distribution Notes
Rare in the South Carolina piedmont. Absent from the coastal plain, sandhills, and mountains.