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grey-headed coneflower
ExplorePlants
grey-headed coneflower
Ratibida pinnata
The grey-headed coneflower is a bright yellow flower with a tall, spiky center. It loves to grow in sunny places and can be found in fields and meadows, making them look cheerful and colorful.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The grey-headed coneflower has slender, drooping bright yellow petals that surround a prominent, greyish-brown, egg-shaped central cone. Its tall, upright stems display finely divided, dark green leaves, making it stand out in fields.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderAsteralesFamilyAsteraceaeGenusRatibida
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
After flowering, the tall stiff stems often stay standing through winter, feeding birds.
Its unusual grey cone smells like anise or black licorice when crushed!
Native Americans brewed its roots to soothe toothaches and fevers.
The seeds are a favorite snack for small birds like finches and sparrows!
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Warrior
Coneflower can grow deep taproots that help it survive long periods without water, even in dry prairies.
Ability
Seed Spreader
Its many seeds are easily dispersed by wind and small birds, helping the plant spread naturally across landscapes.
Ability
Herbal Healer
Coneflower leaves and roots contain compounds historically used by indigenous people for soothing medicinal teas.
Ability
Pollinator Beacon
The bright petals and prominent cone act like a landing strip, guiding buzzing insect pollinators to its nectar.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 90-150 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-7 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer to Fall (July-September)
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
Collects nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Monarch butterfly
Danaus plexippus
Feeds on nectar during migration.
eaten by
American Goldfinch
Carduelis tristis
Relishes its nutritious seeds.
eats
American Bison
Bison bison
Grazed on its foliage in prairies.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Also known as
Prairie ConeflowerYellow Coneflower
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch flowers without asking an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is grey-headed coneflower?
90-150 cm
How wide does grey-headed coneflower spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on grey-headed coneflower?
2-7 cm
When does grey-headed coneflower bloom?
Summer to Fall (July-September)
Is grey-headed coneflower edible?
Yes
Is grey-headed coneflower toxic?
None
What is grey-headed coneflower's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is grey-headed coneflower pollinated?
Insect
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