grey-head coneflower
Ratibida pinnata
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size3 to 5 feet tall18 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Grey-head coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) is a perennial for meadows, rain gardens, pollinator gardens, and borders. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist soil of most types. Its yellow petals droop around a grayish-brown cone that smells of anise when bruised. Tall stems may need support, and the plant does best with some neighboring plants for competition. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice.
Pairs well with Switchgrass, Spotted joe-pye weed, Nodding onion, and Standing Ovation little bluestem.
Native range
Central North America.