Bloom Color

Interesting Notes

This gray headed coneflower is a Missouri native plant which typically occurs in dry woods, prairies and along railroad tracks and roads. A somewhat rough-looking plant that features pinnately divided leaves (to 5" long) on stiff stems growing 3-5' tall. The composite flowers have a dull-gray central disk in the shape of an elongated cylinder (1 inch long), somewhat resembling the crown of a slender sombrero. When bruised, the disk smells of anise. Attached to the bottom of the disk is a brim of 3-7, extremely reflexed (downward pointing), bright yellow ray flowers (to 3" long). Species name of pinnata is in reference to the pinnate leaves. Long summer bloom period. Kemper Center for Home Gardening

Growing and Maintenance Tips

R. pinnata can be found in open roadsides, dry fields and limestone uplands from Ontario to South Dakota, as far south as Florida. Thrives best in average to dry, well-drained, clay or sandy soil. Is somewhat drought tolerant. Propagate by seed. Excellent for naturalized, meadow and butterfly gardens as well as in mass plantings.