Description
Gray-headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata), also known as Yellow Coneflower, is a long-blooming native perennial in the aster family. It features bright golden-yellow petals that droop gracefully around a distinctive greenish-gray cone-shaped center, adding striking vertical interest to prairies and native plantings.
This drought-tolerant species grows 3 to 5 feet tall and thrives in a range of soils, from medium wet to dry. It prefers full to partial sun and is hardy in USDA zones 3–9. Gray-headed Coneflower is an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscapes, as it requires little to no fertilizer and is highly resilient once established.
Pollinated by both bees and butterflies, this wildflower supports local pollinator populations and readily self-sows, making it a reliable workhorse in prairie restoration and naturalized garden settings. Blooming throughout the summer months, it brings long-lasting color and ecological value to any planting.
