Mexican Hat, Upright Prairie Coneflower

Scientific Name: Ratibida columnifera Wooton & Standley
Synonym: Lepachys columnifera, Ratibida columnaris, Rudbeckia columnaris, Rudbeckia columnifera
Family: Asteraceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 1-24, 26-43
USDA: 3-11

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: North America, from British Columbia to Texas, Arizona, and northern Mexico

Growth Habits: Perennial, up to 2 feet tall (60 cm)

Flowers: Yellow flowers

Watering Needs: Regular water, needs good drainage, drought tolerant

Propagation: Seeds that need to be scarified, division

Ratibida columnaris, Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 3: 474

Native Americans used the leaves for herbal tea.

Blooming Habits:
The Mexican hat blooms from late spring to early fall. The flowers are long-lasting and are excellent as cut flower, keeping for 5 to 10 days in water.

Culture:
Cut dormant plants to the ground in winter.

Propagation:
Germinate at 68 to 86° F (20-30° C).