Mexican hat
Ratibida columnifera
USDA zones3 to 9
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size1 to 3 feet tall12 to 18 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Yellow rays and dark brown center disk
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Mexican hat (Ratibida columnifera) is a perennial for meadows, borders, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun and dry to moist soil of most types. Its drooping yellow petals surround a tall brown center disc that looks like a sombrero, and bees, butterflies, and birds visit the blooms. It sits low on the menu for deer. It grows aggressively, so give it room away from weaker plants.
Pairs well with Little bluestem, PowWow White coneflower, and Nodding onion.
Native range
North America.