Yellow Coneflower - Ratibida pinnata
“Drooping Coneflower, Gray Coneflower, Prairie Coneflower, Weary Susan,rayheaded Coneflower”
Origin of the name Ratibida is not known. Pinnata comes from the Latin word meaning “featherlike
Sun Exposure Prairie, Savanna
Soil Moisture Mesic, Dry Mesic
Bloom Time, Summer, Fall July, August, September
Bloom Color Yellow
Max Height 5 feet
Wetland Code UPL
Germ Code C(30)
Seeds Per Ounce 30,000
Found throughout the Tallgrass Prairie region and extensively elsewhere. Prefers dry areas, roadsides, along old railroad right-of-ways. Root system is a very stout, sturdy rhizome. One or several yellow flowers may top a single stem. Grows tall and erect to about 4 feet. Grows easily from seed and is often found as a sturdy and plentiful survivor on former prairies where nearly all of the original plants have disappeared.
Native Americans made a refreshing tea from the cones and leaves of yellow coneflower. The Meskwaki used the root as an ingredient to cure toothaches.
To learn more about this species visit Ion Exchange To view short video on Yellow Coneflower, Ratibida pinnata visit Ion Exchange Video
Edible Uses: Unknown
Medicinal Usse: Unknown
Herbal Uses: Unknown
