Near Native
Prairie Coneflower
Ratibida columnifera
Flower colour
Yellow (can be dark red, or bi-colour (red-brown at the base and yellow at the ends) surrounding a long, dark-brown central disk.)
Bloom time
Early summer through fall
Height
12-36"
Spread
40 cm
Light
Prefers full sun for sturdy growth and prolific flowering, though it can tolerate light shade.
Moisture
Average to dry - is highly drought-tolerant due to its deep taproot but adapts well to a variety of well-drained soils, including clay and sandy loam.
Native to Ontario
Near Native
Ecological benefit
Recognized as a favorite for large numbers of native beesand butterflies. Its long bloom season provides a steady supply of nectar and pollen. Serves as a larval host for the Dainty Sulphur butterfly. Due to its deep taproot and resilience, it is frequently used for soil stabilization and land reclamation in disturbed sites.
Notes
In autumn and winter, the mature seed heads are relished by goldfinchesand other small songbirds.
Species listed as Near Native are ones that occur in the American states bordering Ontario, but the species may not necessarily naturally occur in Ontario.