Coneflower, Prairie (Ratibida pinnata)

Yellow Coneflower is native to dry prairies and savannas so is drought tolerant, and is found in central and eastern United States and in Ontario Canada. The delightful flower has rough-feeling coarse leaves, and showy yellow flowers which have droopy soft yellow rays. Fall offers beautiful seed heads which transform into a dark purple or brown, that birds delight in visiting for seeds later into the season.

This unique flower will bloom from early summer to fall and will continue to offer flowers when others have peaked and passed. Many insects including butterflies and bees are attracted to Yellow Coneflower, which also makes an excellent cut flower.

Flower Pic Credit: Erin O'Hara