Upright Prairie Coneflower
Ratibida columnifera
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, United States
Stickpen
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Asteraceae
- Genus:
- Ratibida
- Species:
- Ratibida columnifera
- USDA Symbol:
- RACO3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 90 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, red-brown
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
American sunflower moth (Homoeosoma electella)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Red-belted bumble bee (Bombus rufocinctus), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crown after fire; benefits from post-fire conditions for seedling establishment.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or rocky soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in open, sunny areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily after cold stratification; surface sow or barely cover.
Pre-treatment: Seeds are placed in cold moist stratification for 90 days.
Establishment: P. angustifolius is found from North Dakota to Oklahoma and west to New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)
- Native Plants Nursery (nursery)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)
- Vermont Wildflower Farm (nursery and seeds)
- Native American Seed (nursery and seeds)
- Native American Seed (nursery and seeds)
- Native Seed Group (seeds)