Gray-Headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)

Distinguishing Characteristics

leaves divided into 3 to 7 leaflets with a few teeth or small side lobes along the margins

Height

up to 5 feet

Blooms

June to September

Description

A slender, hairy-stemmed plant, each flower head has its own stalk. Before opening, the small disk flowers are ashy gray; they turn brown as the flowers open. The 5-10 yellow ray flowers droop downward, each about 2-inches long and less than 1/2-inch wide.

Comments

Very common in seed mixes and easy to establish on dry to mesic soil types, in full sun or part shade. This dainty wildflower is common on glades, woodland edges, prairies and also is found on roadsides. Does well in new warm-season grass and wildflower plantings and blooms the second year from seed. Good food source for wildlife and forage for livestock.