Back to plants

Gray headed coneflower

Ratibida pinnata

Bloom time: July-September

Bloom Color: Bright yellow

Height: 3-5 ft

Sun exposure: Full/Partial

Soil Moisture: Dry-Medium

Deer resistant: No

Other Common Names: Yellow Coneflower, Pinnate Prairie Coneflower

Germination code: C30

Fun facts: When you crush the gray/brown central cone, it releases a black licorice type scent. The Wavy-Lined emerald moth caterpillar will use the petals of the flower to cover itself and hide from predators. Indigenous communities would use the seeds for medicinal purposes, they would chew on the seed to soothe tooth aches or to numb gums. Even after the petals fall off, the seed head still provides food for smaller birds such as the goldfinch. 

 

You may also like…