Some variants of Ratibida columnifera have been treated as varieties or forms. The most prominent of these is forma pulcherrima (de Candolle) Fernald, which is characterized by its showy, purplish yellow to purple rays; it is more frequent in the southwestern part of the range of the species. In the typical form, rays are yellow (E. L. Richards 1968).
Some authors have argued that Ratibida columnaris (Sims) D. Don is the correct name for this species; J. L. Reveal (1968) and E. L. Richards (1968) provided synoptic discussions of the issue.
Ratibida columnifera, commonly known as upright prairie coneflower,[2] Mexican hat,[3] rocketflower,[4] and longhead prairie coneflower,[5] is a perennial species of flowering plant in the genus Ratibida in the family Asteraceae. It is native to much of North America and inhabits prairies, plains, roadsides, and disturbed areas from southern Canada through most of the United States to northern Mexico.[6]
R. columnifera has medium green, hairy stems that branch occasionally, growing to 30–91 cm (1–3 ft) tall. Leaves are also hairy and are deeply pinnate with 5 to 11 lobes. They are alternate and measure up to 15 cm (6 in) long and 5 cm (2 in) across. The petioles are up to 5 cm (2 in) long.[3]
The inflorescence at the top of the stem consists of 4 to 12 drooping, sterile ray florets that are yellow, brownish red, or brown with yellow borders, surrounding a central column that is up to 5 cm (2 in) long. The column is made up of numerous purplish disk florets, which open in bands starting at the base of the column and moving upwards.[7] Flowers appear June to September.[8]
It is similar to Ratibida tagetes, but the leaves of R. tagetes are closer to the flower, while the leaves of R. columnifera are farther below on the stem.[9]
R. columnifera is native in the United States from Idaho to the west and north, Texas to the south, and Massachusetts to the east. In Canada, it is native in Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.[10] The plant is also native in Northern Mexico.[11] Habitats include sunny sites with well-drained soil, such as upland prairies, pastures, roadsides, and open disturbed areas.[7][5]
The Zuni people use an infusion of the whole plant as an emetic.[12]
Prairie coneflower is valued by gardeners for xeriscaping and native plant gardens for its color and rich fragrance. Grown in garden settings plants are often biennial, growing the first year and dying after blooming in the second year.[13] The prairie coneflower requires dry to medium soil moisture and seldom has serious disease or pest problems. It is hardy in USDA zones 4–9.[14]
Ratibida columnifera, commonly known as upright prairie coneflower, Mexican hat, rocketflower, and longhead prairie coneflower, is a perennial species of flowering plant in the genus Ratibida in the family Asteraceae. It is native to much of North America and inhabits prairies, plains, roadsides, and disturbed areas from southern Canada through most of the United States to northern Mexico.
