Cone Flower, Cutleaf coneflower, Green Headed Coneflower

Rudbeckia laciniata

Physical Characteristics

Rudbeckia laciniata is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.4 m (7ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, hoverflies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

N. America - Quebec to Manitoba, Colorado Florida. Locally naturalized garden escape in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Shady Edge; Meadow;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Stem Edible Uses: Edible young stems[105, 155, 161]. Cooked and eaten in the spring for 'good health'[222, 257]. The young stems can be eaten like celery[257]. The stems can also be dried for later use[257]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Carminative Poultice A tea made from the root (mixed with Caulophyllum thalictroides) is used in the treatment of indigestion[222, 257]. A poultice of the flowers (mixed with Agastache anisatum and Solidago sp.) is applied to burns[222, 257].

Known Hazards

This plant is reputed to be poisonous to cattle, sheep and pigs[155].