Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Gray-head Coneflower

Ratibida pinnata
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Glade, Prairie, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Yellow
Fall Color:

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry
Nature Attracting
Songbirds
Wildlife Benefit
Food/Birds
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

36 to
48
inches

Spread:

18 to
36
inches
Size
Height: 36 to
48
inches
Spread: 18 to
36
inches
Size
Height: 36 to
48
inches
Spread: 18 to
36
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Use in wildflower meadows, prairies and for erosion control.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in full to medium sun with average soil. Also grows well in clay soil.
Special Features
Special Usage
Basic Description

Large yellow flowers with drooping petals surround a brown seed head. Plants bloom profusely all summer. Birds eat the seed if old flowers are left on the plant. Tends to self-seed and spread but looks great in masses. Good for erosion control.

Where Should I Start?

Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.

What’s the Next Step?

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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