Grey-Headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata) is a seasonal interest plant with yellow flowers that bloom from early summer into fall. They prefer moist to dry soil in full sun where they can grow to 4 feet tall. If the soil it too fertile, they may tend to flop when blooming. They work well on sunny slopes and banks. Companion plants include Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis) and Rosinweed (Silphium integrifolium).
Maintenance
May need staking once blooming begins. Though birds eat the seeds post-bloom, consider deadheading to prevent aggressive spread.
About
Light Requirements
Sun Moisture Requirements
Banks,
Slopes Soil Requirements
Clay,
Most Soils Height
Medium Spacing
2 feet Category
Seasonal Attracts
Bees,
Birds,
Butterflies Illinois Native Plant Status
Yes Bloom Time
June,
July,
August Bloom Color
Yellow Seasonality
Fall,
Summer,
Winter Sociability
Groups of 5-10