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Upright Prairie Coneflower

Ratibida columnifera

Similar to the taller Gray-headed Coneflower; this species establishes quickly but is often short lived

 

$3.00$24.00

For quantity discount pricing, request a quote.

Description

Ratibida columnifera, commonly called long-headed coneflower or upright prairie coneflower, is a native perennial forb (wildflower). It is most common on the Great Plains.

Wildlife notes

Various insects are attracted to the nectar and pollen of the flowerheads. Likely visitors include various short-tongued bees, wasps, flies, beetles, and the occasional butterfly or skipper. The caterpillars of some moths are known to feed on Ratibida spp. (primarily the rays and florets). The caterpillars of a moth feed on the roots.

Forage notes

Upright Prairie Coneflower is considered quite palatable to livestock during the growing season.

Landscaping notes

Easily grown in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun. Tolerates drought, light shade and somewhat poor soils. Intolerant of moist heavy clays. May be grown from seed but will not flower until the second year. Sunny borders, rock gardens, native plant areas, meadows and prairies. Best grouped or massed because individual plants tend to appear somewhat sparse because of the leaves.

Restoration notes

Habitats include upland prairies, roadsides, areas along railroads, and barren waste areas.

This species is commonly used in the following mixes: Dry’n Rocky Mix, Wildlife Chuckwagon Mix, and Butterfly & Hummingbird Mix

Videos About This Plant

To learn more about this plant, check out our videos about it and its uses.

Wildlife Chuckwagon | Native Wildflower Mix

Dry ‘n Rocky | Native Wildflower Mix

 

Additional information

Weight N/A
Units

Packet, Ounce, Pounds

Light

Full Sun to Part Shade

Seeding Rate

5 bulk lbs/acre

Soils

Dry, Average

Height

18"-30"

Bloom Month

Jun, Jul, Aug

Color

Brown, Yellow

Specialty Uses

Landscaping, Cut Flower

Cattle Palatability

Good

# seeds/pkt

200

Packet coverage area

5 sq. ft

Life Cycle

Perennial

What is PLS?

Pure Live Seed (PLS) is the portion of good viable seed per pound. It is a measure of the seed that is alive and able to sprout into plants. This product is sold by PLS ounce/pound. To provide one ounce/pound of viable seed, you will receive more than one ounce/pound of product. Read more about PLS here.