Prairie Coneflower, Upright prairie coneflower, Woolly Cinquefoil, Praire Coneflower, Mexican Hat

Ratibida columnifera

Physical Characteristics

Ratibida columnifera is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower in September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Western N. America - British Columbia to Montana, Nebraska, Texas, New Mexico and Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Tea A pleasant tasting tea is made from the leaves and flower heads[161, 177, 183, 257].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Febrifuge The leaves and stems are analgesic[257]. An infusion is used to relieve the pain of headaches and to treat stomach aches and fevers[257]. A decoction is used as a wash to relieve pain and to treat poison ivy rash[257]. The decoction is also used as a wash to draw the poison out of a rattlesnakes bite[257].

Known Hazards

None known