Featuring striking, drooping golden petals that dance on slender stems around a prominent anise-scented central cone, this hardy native wildflower is a magnet for butterflies and songbirds.
The Yellow Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata), also widely known as the pinnate prairie coneflower or grey-headed coneflower, is a classic North American perennial native to central and eastern prairies. Starting in mid-summer and continuing into autumn, this tough wildflower produces distinctive, high-impact blooms characterized by soft yellow, reflexed petals that drape elegantly downward from a tall, cylindrical center cone. When bruised, the central cone releases a pleasant, subtle anise-like aroma. This resilient plant is historically deeply intertwined with the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, where its deep, fibrous root systems once helped stabilize prairie soils and allowed it to survive harsh conditions.
Highly valued for its exceptional wildlife support, this species is a critical food source for native bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects during the peak of summer, while its persistent autumn seed heads provide essential winter nourishment for goldfinches and other songbirds. Growing on slender, airy stems that sway gracefully in the breeze, it is perfect for meadow plantings, cottage gardens, naturalized borders, and restoration projects. Extremely easy to care for, the Yellow Coneflower thrives in poor, clay, or rocky soils, showcasing outstanding drought tolerance and heat resistance once established.
Plant Care
Sun: Full sun
Hardiness Zone: 3–9
Water: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming herbaceous perennial (3–5 feet tall)
Additional Notes: Very adaptable to dry, clay, or rocky soils; self-seeds readily and is highly resistant to deer and rabbits.
Order & Shipping Notes
Custom-made Item: Please consider and respect our no-return policy before placing your order. Each plant is a living product and may naturally vary in size, shape, and appearance.
For Potted Plant Orders: Starter plants contain established roots and are shipped in organic growing material (soil) using recycled packaging whenever possible. Plants may be trimmed slightly to safely fit inside the shipping box.
Starter Plant Size: Typically 4–12 inches tall; sizes may vary depending on growing conditions, photoperiod, season, and shipping time.
For Seed Orders: Seeds are freshly harvested and may be hand-counted. Our plants are proud bee hosts, so cross-pollination can occur.
For Seed Orders: Some seeds are extremely small; some may be shipped inside swollen calyxes after the flower has dropped.
For Seed Orders: Seed germination depends on environmental factors including light, moisture, temperature, sowing time, and genetic characteristics. Patience and proper growing conditions are important, and starting plants from seed may not be suitable for every grower.
For Bare Root Plant Orders: Bare-root plants contain roots and are wrapped with moist material for shipping using recycled packaging whenever possible. Plants may be trimmed slightly to safely fit inside the shipping box.
Please review our shop policies before placing an order. We want every customer to have a positive experience and will always work with reasonable buyers to resolve concerns. Plants are living horticultural products, and each one is unique. Natural differences in size, shape, color, and growth stage are expected.
Website: the-clayton-farm.com
