Ratibida pinnata, commonly known as Yellow Coneflower, is a native perennial found in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, tolerating dry to moderately moist conditions, making it ideal for prairie gardens and native restorations.
This tall, graceful plant features deeply lobed, pinnate leaves and slender stems that can reach up to 4 feet in height. From early to mid-summer, it produces distinctive daisy-like flowers with drooping bright yellow petals surrounding a prominent gray to brown cone-shaped center. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beetles, while the seeds are a food source for birds in the fall.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Ratibida pinnata is an excellent choice for wildflower meadows, pollinator plantings, and prairie restorations. It offers bold vertical structure, long-lasting seasonal color, and ecological benefits that support a wide range of wildlife. It pairs beautifully with native grasses and companion flowers like Blazing Star, Wild Bergamot, and Purple Coneflower.
Ratibida pinnata, commonly known as Yellow Coneflower, is a native perennial found in prairies, savannas, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, tolerating dry to moderately moist conditions, making it ideal for prairie gardens and native restorations.
This tall, graceful plant features deeply lobed, pinnate leaves and slender stems that can reach up to 4 feet in height. From early to mid-summer, it produces distinctive daisy-like flowers with drooping bright yellow petals surrounding a prominent gray to brown cone-shaped center. The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and beetles, while the seeds are a food source for birds in the fall.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Ratibida pinnata is an excellent choice for wildflower meadows, pollinator plantings, and prairie restorations. It offers bold vertical structure, long-lasting seasonal color, and ecological benefits that support a wide range of wildlife. It pairs beautifully with native grasses and companion flowers like Blazing Star, Wild Bergamot, and Purple Coneflower.
Bloom: early to late summer
Habitats: areas along railroads (especially where remnant prairies occur); clay prairies; limestone glades; moist to slightly dry black soil prairies; thickets; woodland borders
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: mesic (tolerates moist to slightly dry)
Plant type (height): forb (up to 4 feet)
Requirements: full sun (tolerates partial sun)
Soil: clay-loam; loam (tolerates many kinds of soils)
