Ratibida pinnata – Gray-headed Coneflower (B&B.DR.DRGHT.H.NB.OP)

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies

(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant

(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant

(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen

(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant

(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant

(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals

(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar

(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material

(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant

(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plant

Gray-headed coneflower is a rhizomatous perennial herb native to central and eastern USA in the aster family.

It is found growing in fields, prairies and dry open woods. It is very rare in NC and may naturalized from cultivated sources (“wildflower” seeds). The specific epithet is in reference to the pinnate leaves.

Gray-headed Coneflower will grow up to 5 feet tall and prefers clay loam to sandy loam soils in full sun and is adaptable to dry to moist conditions and various soils. It is very easy to grow in full sun to partial shade. It is drought and poor soil tolerant so don’t overwater or over-fertilize.  Planting it near larger plants shrubs will help to support the plant which may tend to flop over. Propigation is from seeds or division.

The yellow ray petals surround a central grey dome of disc flowers in summer. The green leaves are compound with 3-7 divisions.

Use this plant in the pollinator or wildflower garden in the back border, in masse, in naturalized areas, meadows or open woodland. This plant can also be used in rain gardens.

Host plant for the larvae of the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly and some moths, including the Wavy-lined Emerald moth.