Prairie coneflower (Ratibida columnifera) is a perennial flowering herb that blooms in summer. When the prairie coneflower is crushed it has an aromatic fragrance similar to licorice or anise. This species grows in dry open spaces, prairie lands and roadsides.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Ratibida columnifera, commonly known as upright prairie coneflower, Mexican hat, and longhead prairie coneflower, is a perennial species of flowering plant in the genus Ratibida in the family Asteraceae. It is native to much of North America and inhabits prairies, plains, roadsides, and disturbed areas from southern Canada through most of the United States to northern Mexico.
R. columnifera has medium green, hairy stems that branch occasionally, growing to 30–91 cm (1–3 ft) tall. Leaves are also hairy and are deeply pinnate with 5 to 11 lobes. They are alternate and measure up to 15 cm (6 in) long and 5 cm (2 in) across. The petioles are up to 5 cm (2 in) long.
The inflorescence at the top of the stem consists of 4 to 12 drooping, sterile ray florets that are yellow, brownish red, or brown with yellow borders, surrounding a central column that is up to 5 cm (2 in) long. The column is made up of numerous purplish disk florets, which open in bands starting at the base of the column and moving upwards. Flowers appear June to September.
It is similar to Ratibida tagetes, but the leaves of R. tagetes are closer to the flower, while the leaves of R. columnifera are farther below on the stem.
Prairie coneflower is valued by gardeners for xeriscaping and native plant gardens for its color and rich fragrance. Grown in garden settings plants are often biennial, growing the first year and dying after blooming in the second year. The prairie coneflower requires dry to medium soil moisture and seldom has serious disease or pest problems. It is hardy in USDA zones 4–9.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
As a native Mexican plant, the Ratibida columnifera thrives in full sun. It can tolerate light shade, but the more sun this plant receives, the more abundant and long-lasting the bloom season will be.
Temperature and Humidity
These plants thrive in hot and dry regions. However, too much moisture, rainfall, or cold temperatures are problematic.
Watering
One of the Mexican hat flower’s stand-out qualities is its drought tolerance once established, even in the hottest and driest regions. However, if you want to see the most impressive and long-lasting bloom periods through the summer, offer these plants deep waterings infrequently. It can also be helpful to use mulch, particularly in arid and hot regions, to help conserve moisture. During the winter and spring, occasional additional irrigation will only be required if the seasons are dry.
Soil
Mexican hat flowers can adapt to a wide range of soil types. They can thrive even if it is dry and nutrient-poor. However, it can’t cope with moisture-rich or heavy clay soil. If the soil is exceptionally moist and fertile, the plant could be choked out by taller, more aggressive species.
Fertilizing
Mexican hat flowers can still thrive in nutrient-poor soils, so they generally don’t need additional fertilization. However, adding a small amount of compost when the Ratibida columnifera is being planted is sometimes suggested, but only if the soil is poor quality.
Pruning
If you don’t want your plants to reseed themselves, you can mow them down after they bloom. Most enthusiasts let some seed heads ripen and instead cut them back in early spring to help the plants naturalize. The ripened seeds are a good food source for wild birds during the winter.
Propagation
It’s best to divide Mexican hat flower plants every few years in the springtime to refresh them and keep their vibrant color. To do so, dig up a clump of the plant to retrieve the root ball. Gently divide the root ball, plant the root balls at least 1 foot away from one another to give them room to grow, and water to establish.
How to Grow From Seed
This plant also propagates from seeds easily if you prefer to bypass the labor involved with dividing root balls. A single seed head yields hundreds of tiny seeds. If you don’t plant them straight into the ground in the fall, then the stored seeds may benefit from a period of cold, dry stratification in winter storage before planting them in the spring. Follow these steps when planting the seeds in whichever season you choose:
- Broadcast the tiny seeds on top of the ground and then lightly rake the area. Do not bury the seeds deeply into the ground because they need light.
- Cover the area with a very fine layer of vermiculite to prevent these light and tiny seeds from blowing away, but give them as little cover as possible so the light can reach them for germination.
- Be sure the seed is in good contact with the soil by lightly raking it into loose topsoil.
- Water the area regularly until the Mexican hat flowers are established.
Potting and Repotting
Mexican hat flowers look great as potted plants in any warm, well-lit indoor setting. However, if indoors in containers, the plant will need repotting on occasion. These plants are fast growers and may outgrow their pots in several months. To avoid stressing your plants too much, repot them in early spring before their active growing season. If repotting, transplant them into containers that are one size larger than their current ones.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Ratibida columnifera is mostly free of pest and disease problems, but it is not immune. You may spot Japanese beetles and aphids on the plants. Hand-pick the beatles off the plants if the infestation is small, spray neem oil if there’s more than you can count, or get better control of beetles by treating the soil with milky spore powder. Spray the aphids off with the garden hose.
Mexican hat flowers dislike wet feet and will get root rot as a result. Let the flowers dry out to reduce the problem.
Common Problems
These wildflowers pose few problems. But here are a couple of things to look out for when growing Mexican hat flowers.
Wilting or Mushy Stems
Wilt can happen to overwatered plants, such as Mexican hat flowers. You will also be able to tell if the flowers are overwatered if the stems are mushy, which indicates root rot. You can try to dry out the plants or apply a copper fungicide which may have some effect.
Skeletonized Leaves
Mexican hat flowers with skeletonized or holey leaves are the work of Japanese beetles. You can’t miss these insects because they have a coppery-black body with a metallic blue-green head.
III. Uses and Benefits
- Ornamental uses
Prairie coneflower is perfect for wildflower gardens, especially when planted in large groups where the slim foliage, prolific red blooms, and tall stature of this plant can become a focal point. In addition, this species is easy to grow and low-maintenance, making it a good choice for beginning gardens and for planting in xeriscapes. It also attracts songbirds and pollinator insects, and deer do not like to eat it.
- Medicinal uses
The Zuni people use an infusion of the whole plant as an emetic.
