Prairie Coneflower: each 1 gallon $13.99

**Prairie Coneflower - (Ratibida pinnata)  serves as an important native host plant for the caterpillars of the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly (Chlosyne nycteis) 

Beyond its role as a host, the flower attracts native bees, wasps, and butterflies with its nectar, and its seed heads serve as an important winter food source for birds like the goldfinch.

Ratibida pinnata, commonly called gray headed coneflower, is an Ozark native plant which typically occurs in dry woods, prairies and along railroad tracks and roads. A somewhat rough-looking plant that features pinnately divided leaves (to 5" long) on stiff stems growing 3-5' tall. The composite flowers have a dull-gray central disk in the shape of an elongated cylinder (1 inch long), somewhat resembling the crown of a slender sombrero. When bruised, the disk smells of anise. Attached to the bottom of the disk is a brim of 3-7, extremely reflexed (downward pointing), bright yellow ray flowers (to 3" long). Long summer bloom period.

Grow in average, medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun. Prefers clay or sandy soils. Tolerates poor, dry soils.

Zone: 3 to 8

Height: 3.00 to 5.00 feet

Spread: 1.50 to 2.00 feet

Bloom Time: June to August

Bloom Description: Yellow

Sun: Full sun

Water: Medium

Maintenance: Medium

Flower: Showy

Attracts: Butterflies

Tolerate: Drought, Clay Soil